#though I also wonder how much his voice changed as he got older and if he thought he couldn't sing again so he never tried

[frownyalfred]

I just know deep in my bones that bruce is an excellent singer but never sang after his parents passed

I love this idea. Sometimes you meet people and you can just tell they're wonderful singers, even untrained -- there's a fluidity or timbre to their voices you can just kind of hear, you know?

I also wonder about his canonical voice-throwing and disguise abilities. I wonder if he put his excellent breath and tone control, etc, to use in that way. I've noticed that trained singers also tend to be fairly good at impressions.

[willyoubemycherryy]

Hypervision.

Older!Logan x reader

Warnings: cursing, flirting, s3xual innuendos but they’re tame I SWEAR, age gap, alcohol mention, one petname, cliffhanger :3

𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒆42 𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖♡´ ◕ ᴗ ◕ ｡ `♡ : @th3mrskory @smutinlove @inthetub @multifandom-random @multifandom-rand0m @fictionalmen-dilflover

part 1 .❄︎.

[2]_car karaoke is just conversation

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“Hey driver…”

Logan looks at you through the rear view mirror as your lilting voice reaches his ears. He briefly considers ignoring you for the sake of keeping things professional and because he could already hear the bit of mischief in your tone but decides to humor you, responding with a soft hum.

“I was just making a guess before but I really gotta ask- are you any fun?” When you were told there’d be a change in your team, nothing major just a new driver, he was not what you imagined. You had pictured someone bland and…inconspicuous; the man in front of you was anything but. For starters, he was huge. Standing at least 6’3 with thick dark hair peppered with gray strands and a beard that matched, a strong nose that contrasted such dreamy eyes. Even though he was clearly silverfox/beekeeping age older, you’d be lying if you said he wasn’t gorgeous.

You hear a light scoff after a minute, almost forgetting you ever even asked anything while looking at him.

“I wouldn’t bet on it. M’ too old for fun, kid”, he says and your heart jumps at how deep his voice is. There was definitely a backstory to the rasp, a low timbre that’s mixed parts alluring and mixed part warning but his answer piques your interest and you can’t help asking-

“How old are you?”

Logan can’t say 200 b.c and it feels suspicious to pass your question altogether, deciding to settle for how old he’d pass for in normal human years.

Your eyes widen as you pinch your lips in to hide the growing smile. God bless beekeepers. Logan notices your silence and glances at you through the mirror. He doesn’t really care about your reaction (in denial) but he’s curious enough to look yet you’re not looking at him any differently, still grinning in that way that makes him weary but also like he needs to keep an eye on you. Still, there’s a few things he wants to ask about. Not willing to be the only one put on the hot seat.

“How old are you?” Your eyes pop wider and you’re quiet for a second longer than what’s comfortable making him wonder if you’ll answer. It wouldn’t surprise him if you didn’t, a big part of your image is your mystery-

“I turned 22 a couple of weeks ago”, you say lightly and a bit of trepidation creeps into his system because he knew you were young but christ. You laugh again at the poorly concealed shock on his face as you scoot forward, wrapping your arms around the headrest of the seat next to his as you lean your face against it. It’s quiet for a bit but the silence isn’t uncomfortable, even with the slight shift in the atmosphere at how much closer you are to him, Logan doesn’t exactly mind it. Glancing at the gps, there’s still about 30 minutes left until you reach where he’s taking you but traffic might change that.

There’s a light sigh next to his ear and before he can look, your hand is reaching over to flick on the radio and suddenly he’s listening to a song called “indigo” by a woman named Niki while you grin innocently. “So…since you’ll be with us for a while unless you turn out to be a serial killer or stalker-“ Logan smirks in amusement at that, “what’s your name?” You ask, watching confusion flicker across his features before he snaps his head to face you at the red light, your heart quickening as he looks directly at you.

“What? Kid, nobody told you?” It didn’t make sense to him because if he was to be technically working for you then someone should have already passed the basics of who he was- on paper at least- to you but you shake your head.

“No. All I got from my manager was that he’d get someone to hire a new chauffeur so he wouldn’t have to keep driving me to everything.” Huh. So there were some things that Logan wasn’t the only one in the dark on. You clear your throat to remind him that you’re still waiting. He won’t admit but for some reason, it’s charming, the bit of attitude vaguely familiar.

“Well, I don’t know your name either”, he says but you’re not buying it.

“Of course you do-“

“No. Your real name.” You pout as Logan waits. It’s your move and you hesitate. “Besides, it’s not like you need my name for me to do my job.” Your frown deepens at that as the silence persists and Logan decides he’s humored you enough. Not wanting to get close or involve yourself with him anymore than what was strictly necessary but you want to push for just a little bit more. Your playlist is nothing but distractible noise in the background as it plays while you think, leaning back.

“Nobody knows my real name though. So it’s nothing personal,” You whine.

“I know.”

“Then-” Logan cuts you off, “then it’ll be our secret. Well, mostly yours but I’m no snitch, sweetheart.” Your heart leaps at the petname rolling off his tongue in that smooth drawl and you hum softly at that because you already knew he wasn’t the dishonest type just by the way he carried himself.

“But..” you start and Logan finishes, “but what kid?”

Stormy hazel eyes find your form again and he’s not sure what to make of you, not sure if he he needs to find out. It’s too soon to tell but you’re odd, cheeky, curious but you aren’t rude despite your status…charming too.

“But you can’t keep calling me kid, the same way I just can’t keep calling you driver”, you say sounding like the exact definition of petulance.

“Why not?”, Logan sighs back. Unbothered with his eyes one the road as you get closer to your destination.

“Take a wild guess”, and just to get you off his case…

“Because it sounds like a cheap porno?” The way your jaw drops makes him smirk, especially since you’re quiet then. But not for long.

“Yeah but that’s okay since the backseat is big enough…” Logan’s eyes pop open and he inhales sharply, a quick image of you on him in said backseat as he wills himself not to look at you. Hearing you shift in your seat but silent after, lost in thought.

It’s no big deal, it’s just a name…but nobody else knows except your manager. Taking a long look at him, you see the hardness of his features, the “stay away” cloud around him and make your choice.

“It’s…” your voice comes out in an almost hushed whisper and it’s soft, you heart pounding with anxiety until he repeats it. Low and reverent, it makes you warm and you nod your head at him, indicating it was his turn.

“…Logan.”

“Logan what?” He cuts you a look out the corner of his eye. You were pushing it.

“Logan Howlett. No more questions.” You smile, nodding. Logan Howlett. It suited him, both rugged and pretty. You could see yourself screaming it. You know….in case of emergency.

“Alright Eazy-E, no more questions.” Logan shoots you another glare but says nothing. The rest of the ride is mostly just music and your voice when you’d sing along. “You don’t talk much do you?” His answering hum tells you all you need to know.

Logan looks at the screen, you’ll be there in less than 5 minutes and he hums. The drive was more tolerable than he thought it’d be. “Where am I taking you anyway?”

“A close friend of mine’s birthday party. She picked the club so don’t judge me.” You put your hands up in defense of your innocence, the timing for it perfect when he pulls up to the front of a club named ‘The Naked Strip’.

Putting the car in park, Logan gets out and walks over to your side, opening the door as you get out. Using his arm to steady yourself, you squeeze the firm muscle there and think not for the first time that night- fuck was he big. You’re grateful there are no paparazzi yet because you aren’t subtle with the way you hang onto him. Softly biting your lip as you look up at him.

Meanwhile Logan is reeling not only are you standing close enough for him to feel your silhouette, catching whiffs of your sweet smell but also because he’s seeing clearly again. He wasn’t hallucinating it the last time and nothing hurt, unlike it usually did. Hundreds of thousands raced through his mind as to what the fuck was going on with him, mainly how but you call his name before he has the chance to think down the deep end.

“Thank you for driving me, Logan”, the way you seem to purr his name makes his nape warm as tingles settle over him. Lowering his head, he doesn’t just look at you- no- he sees you. Your eyes almost glow, the glitter around them making you look every bit the siren, pink lips shiny under the light pressure of your teeth and the contrast of your pretty little outfit brushing against his suit…

Clearing his throat, Logan reminds himself that he’s not supposed to be enjoying you. This was a job. Nothing more.

“I was just doing my job. No need to thank me but you’re welcome”. You nod, smiling- “But your job is also me if you ever plan on doing that…” Logan raises a stunned eyebrow and you’re giggling before backing up a few steps as you turn to go inside. Already eager for some drinks so you can tell your best friend all about your hot new driver.

“See you in a few! Don’t wait up!”

Logan watches the clear sway of your hips until you disappear inside, getting back in the car, no limp either as he’s remembering devious doe eyes, charming voice, soft wandering hands while wondering just how fucked he is….

He finds out exactly just how much when he picks you up.

Part 3_come over?….

[chocochipsushi]

SFW

🌸Word count: 7.5K words

🌸AU: Soulmates are bound by an invisible red thread tied around their pinkies. Only within close proximity with your soulmate for the first time does the red string become visible to the both of you. And cutting the thread would mean losing them as a soulmate, completely, and forever.

🌸Pairing: Mismatched Toji x reader couple (soooo fucking cute), age gap, SatoSugu

🌸A/N: I couldn't get over Soulmate!Toji so I wrote a prequel.....

Part 1, Part 2 >>

You were always so excited and curious to meet your soulmate. Since you were a kid, you’d fantasise ways you might meet your other half. You just never anticipated that your soulmate would be a man almost two times bigger than you. 

You remember the day you first saw him. You were staring up at him, sizing him up when you realised that your head only came up to his chest. His big muscles could probably crush you if he so much as touched you, you bet. And he looked at least a decade older than you. You’d always wondered how your soulmate would look like, but you had never imagined someone like him. 

“Um… Hi,” you squeaked softly. 

He didn't say anything as he continued staring at you. You swallowed and held up your pinky finger where a red thread was tied around. The other end was connected to his own pinky finger. 

You wondered what to say, and you nervously decided on, “Fancy seeing you here…?” 

You almost wanted to smack yourself. 

The man before you didn’t say anything and you briefly wondered if he might be mute. His facial expression never changed either, so you had no idea what he was thinking. Maybe he thought he had gotten the short end of the stick with you. 

He glanced behind you and noticed your friends watching the both of you animatedly, excited that you were the first of them to find your soulmate. The man returned his gaze back to you. He cleared his throat, then he spoke for the first time since you first noticed the searing hot sting on your last finger. 

“I’ll get your number and we’ll meet another day,” he mumbled. His voice was low and rough, kinda hot for an older man if you had to be honest. 

You blinked at his straightforwardness and his quick decision-making skills, both of which you lacked. You only got to be in shock for a few seconds before he held his phone out to you. You took it from him slowly, still in a daze from this whole situation. You keyed in your number and saved your name before handing it back to him. The man pocketed his phone and nodded at you. 

“I’ll call you.” You bobbed your head but you stayed staring at him. You saw a little frown between his brows. “Go back to your friends.”

“Oh, r-right!” you fumbled, taken aback and anxious from being chased away. “Well, um… okay,” you told him as you nodded your head, unsure of how exactly to say goodbye to your newly found soulmate. You took a small step back and gave him a little wave. “I’ll wait for your call…” You frowned here, totally forgetting if he had introduced himself. 

“Toji Fushiguro.”

“Bye bye, Toji.”

The second time you guys met was just as awkward. 

You were sitting there, blinking dumbly at the huge man opposite you. Toji stared back at you, his fingers playing with the condensation of his glass of whiskey. It had been five minutes since you were sat at the table, and it had also been silent between the both of you for just as long. You were gradually getting uncomfortable. You wondered how he could sit there without saying a word, the entire time just staring at you. You already felt like exploding with anxiety. 

You cleared your throat, just aching to break the silence though it looked like he could go on forever just watching you. “So, um… what do you do for work, Toji?” you asked nervously. 

He finally blinked as he replied mysteriously, “Better for you not to find out.” You gaped at his secrecy but he ignored the look of disbelief you were wearing on your face. Before he took a sip of his drink, he asked, “And you?”

“If I tell you, will you tell me what you do?” you haggled. 

Toji’s eyebrow quirked upward for a split second, making you wonder if you imagined it. “No. I’d rather you not know.”

“But I wanna know,” you pleaded softly. He simply kept staring at you, not saying anything. You pouted a little. Giving up, you sighed and finally told him, “I’m a PA for a director of a company.”

“You like your job?” 

It’s not a weird question to ask, but you still couldn’t help but feel touched by his solicitude. Your heart thumped in your chest as you joked, “I’d like it even more if I was a housewife.”

Almost at once, Toji nodded and responded, “Quit your job. You can stay home or even go shopping everyday if you want to. I can provide for both of us.”

You pulled a frown and leaned forward a little. You lowered your voice and questioned seriously, “What do you really do?”

He scratched his temple. “If you really have to know…” He stared at you and you immediately nodded your head. He sighed as he ran his hand down the lower half of his face, bringing your attention to his scar by his lips for a second. “I get paid by people who don’t want to get their hands dirty.”

“So you do the dirty work?” Toji’s face scrunched up into a cringe as he nodded his head. You were unknowingly whispering now as you wondered, “Like what?”

“Don’t ask.” 

“Bad stuff?”

There was a beat of silence, like he was contemplating whether or not to answer, before he mumbled solemnly, looking away, “Bad stuff.”

You continued gaping at him, your heart thumping in your chest. So your soulmate was a bad guy. 

But what could you do about it? Hand him over to the police? Like hell you would. Besides, you’re kind of intrigued. You wanted to know just what kind of things he did. So you opened your mouth to ask more questions. But you took in the scar on his lips, the stormy look in his eyes, and the stony expression that he wears. You decided that you didn’t really want to know that badly, so you huffed and leaned back in your seat. 

You wondered if you imagined the slight quirk of his lips and the twinkle in his eyes because the moment you blinked, his face was a blank sheet again. You cleared your throat. 

“How old are you?”

“Thirty-eight.”

Your lips clamped together and your eyes widened in surprise. Toji noticed your expression, so he quirked an eyebrow. 

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-five,” you squeaked. 

Your soulmate was 13 years older than you. He had lived 13 years ahead of you, without you. Holy shit, that was a long time. 

You’re still trying to wrap your head around the age gap between you and your soulmate when the waitress came to set your cocktail in front of you. Toji glanced up at her and gave her a tick of his eyebrow as a wordless thanks. You darted your eyes to the waitress at once, knowing what that small action would do to girls. 

True enough, you saw the lady pursing her lips as she fought off a shy smile, her eyes already turning googly as she continued staring at Toji. You returned your gaze to the man before you, only to see him staring at you. 

His deepset gaze unnerved you. You couldn’t tell what he was thinking whereas your friends had always told you that you were an open book for everyone to read. You remember worrying to yourself at that time if you would ever be able to live with a man whose emotions you couldn’t even read. It felt impossible then. 

When the waitress left, you shifted in your seat as you asked him quietly, “Are you happy you found your soulmate?”

He swirled the liquid in his glass. Your stomach dropped when he didn’t answer right away. What he did instead, was take a sip of his whiskey. Your anxiety level was rising with every second he took to savour the alcohol in his mouth. You felt like you might vomit just as he swallowed and hummed, nodding his head. He looked just as solemn as ever. 

In that moment, you thought with all your heart that Toji definitely hated you. 

The time your worries and discomfort started to settle was the third time you interacted with your soulmate. 

Your phone had rung in the middle of the day. You remember your heart jumping in your chest when you read the name Toji Fushiguro on the screen. Swallowing and clearing your throat, you picked up your phone and slid your finger across the screen to answer it. 

“Hello?”

“Are you free tonight?”

Your heart leapt to your throat. Was he asking you out? “Yes,” you answered breathlessly. 

“I’ll pick you up at seven.”

“Okay. Where are we going?” 

To be fair, it had been a week since you last met him and there had been minimal contact between the both of you. You never texted, and the only time you did was when you reported that you’d reached home safely the last time you saw him. You just didn’t know what to talk to him about and you didn’t want to seem like a clingy little girlfriend by asking him out again (even though you’d only met twice so far, including the first time you bumped into each other).

“A friend’s birthday dinner.”

Your blood froze cold. “I-I’m going to meet your friends tonight?” He hummed. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?!” you nearly screamed. 

You would have been embarrassed at losing your composure so unglamourously if not for how nervous you were, thinking about meeting your soulmate’s friends for the first time. You hadn’t even impressed Toji yet and now you had to impress his friends? You didn’t even know him well enough, much less the kind of friends he hung out with! How would you make them like you, when your soulmate hated you?!

Toji grunted on the other line. “I forgot.”

“You forgot your friend’s birthday?”

Ignoring you completely, Toji reminded you, “I’ll pick you up at seven. Wear a dress.” 

“Toji—”

You heard a loud noise in the background before he mumbled quickly, “Gotta go. See you tonight.”

And just like that, he ended the call. So you’re left brooding and anxiously fretting over tonight’s dinner. You couldn’t even focus on work because you’re stressing over what to wear that night and how to behave. It was the longest you ever took to get ready for anything to feel even just a morsel of satisfaction with how you look. 

By the time Toji got you from your place, you’re all but a bundle of nerves dressed in a cute dress and done up all pretty. The moment he set his piercing eyes on you, all he did was stare as he took you in from head to toe. But he said no word of praise as he made a comment about your apartment building. 

“The security here is shit.”

For some reason, the anxiety in you settled. You weren’t sure why, and what that was. But you felt calmer. Perhaps if he had commented on your looks, you would have felt even more nervous. You’re glad he didn’t say anything about your appearance. 

You turned off the lights and locked the door as you said, “Well, the rent is cheap. Can’t complain.”

Toji grunted. “You could move in with me,” he grumbled quietly, almost like he didn’t want you to hear. 

The both of you walked to the lift. “And your place is much safer than mine?” you mocked in a tease. 

Toji turned to give you a look. “Yes,” was all he said for you to realise that he was serious about 1) the security of his apartment, and 2) asking you to move in with him. 

Blushing, you looked away. The both of you took the elevator down in silence and jumped into a cab to get to the dinner location. It was so quiet for the first few minutes of the car ride that you couldn’t help but to start a conversation. You began to ask him about his friends, only to realise that maybe it was better for you to meet them in person than to listen to Toji’s short and brief responses. He must really hate talking. 

The silence during the rest of the car ride had you increasingly anxious. When you reached your destination, you were so nervous that you were fumbling and stumbling to get out of the cab. Toji stood next to you the entire time until you were no longer wobbling on your heels. You swallowed as you stared up at him. 

He was already watching you but now he quirked an eyebrow. “You alright?” 

You only allowed yourself to nod your head. Toji took a step closer and casually rested a hand on your back. Your heart smashed against your ribcage. This was the first time ever that he was touching you and you could just tell how different his touch made you feel. 

It just wasn’t the same as having someone else touching you. Hell, your crush of a few years kissing you on the cheek back in high school didn’t even compare to what you felt from a mere innocent touch on your back. 

You glanced up at Toji, suddenly seeing him in a new light as he walked through the glass doors of the restaurant. He was so much taller and bigger than you. And though his size had scared you at first, you were starting to find comfort and security in his build. Even his large, looming hand on your back made you feel calm. 

Toji, feeling your eyes on him, glanced down at you. “Yes?” 

Immediately, your face turned red. You shook your head and quickly looked away. You could feel his eyes still on you but you tried to ignore it by pretending you didn’t notice it. That was until you felt his hand lift off your back for just a second before it wrapped around your palm. Your eyes rounded in surprise and your heart started hammering against your chest. You darted your gaze up to him, hoping to get some sort of explanation as to why he did that. 

But you realised belatedly that you had arrived at the table of Toji’s friends when you heard a bunch of male voices calling out to your soulmate. You tore your eyes away from him and turned to the bunch of people sitting around a round table. They were grinning up at the both of you, almost slyly. 

“Oh, what have we got here?” The one with white hair whistled as he appraised you behind his black sunglasses. 

Toji reached into his pocket with his free hand and tossed him a black, oblong case. “Happy birthday, dickhead.”

The man caught it perfectly in front of him. As he opened up the case, he grinned naughtily up at Toji. “Didn’t know you had a thing for young girls, old man.”

At once, your face turned a violent shade of red. Some of his friends started snickering, which only made you feel so much more self-conscious. You felt a light squeeze on your hand before Toji let go, causing your heart to stutter. He placed a hand on your back and guided you to take a seat. The moment he sat down and pulled the menu booklet over to flip through it, he casually leaned over to grab the leg of your chair and slid you closer to him. 

You were gaping at him in disbelief just as the birthday boy said, “Oh, exactly what I needed!”

Distracted, you looked up to see him wearing a new pair of black sunglasses. He looked to everyone at the table with a wide grin, showing off his present. When he lifted the glasses to perch it on his head, he winked at you. You felt your entire face erupt in flames. He interlocked his fingers and extended them like a bridge as he rested his chin on them. 

“So, are you, like, his long lost daughter or something?”

You wondered if your face ever took a break from being red. Your eyes were round as you opened your mouth to say something, only to realise you didn’t know what to say. Lucky for you, Toji grunted and spoke up on your behalf. 

“Stop teasing her.” You turned to give him a grateful look. He was pouring himself some whiskey from the bottle in the middle of the table as he muttered, “She’s my soulmate.”

You could feel the entire room holding its breath, including the occupants. You didn’t even have to look to tell that you had all eyes on you. You could feel it. 

“What?” the white-haired man with the blue eyes breathed, still in shock. 

Toji turned to you, evaluating your uncomfortable expression. He turned back to his friend with a frown. “She’s my soulmate,” he reiterated, enunciating each syllable almost harshly. “Got a problem with that, Satoru?”

There was a beat of awkward silence before everyone started clapping. Satoru’s first reaction after breaking out of his stupor was to throw his head back and whine. 

“I can’t believe you’re taking the spotlight away from me! The birthday boy!”

Satoru sulked for the whole of the first course. It was only until he saw how shy and quiet you were, so out of place in Toji’s group of friends that he decided he would stop teasing the both of you. He was too far away to hold a conversation with you, but he had hoped that he would have the chance to get to know you better. 

Just before the last course of dessert came, Toji got up and asked, “I’m going for a smoke. You want to stay here or—“

“I want to come with you,” you quickly interjected, already pushing your chair back. 

Toji took the napkin off your lap before you stood up. He put his hand on your back again, guiding you towards the exit of the private room. A few of his friends followed behind you to join him for a smoke. You walked closer to him, your shoulder bumping his bicep. Toji glanced down at you at the same time you lifted your gaze to him. His dark green orbs flickered about your features and he finally addressed the anxiety written all over your face. 

Not with words. But by reaching up to your head for a little pat, so gentle that you showed surprise even as you cringed, expecting his touch to be heavy and rough. You felt your cheeks getting rosy again. 

Leaving the establishment to get to the smoking area, Toji got out first and held the door open for you, waiting until you were out before he let go of the glass door. You watched by his side as he lit his cigarette, the end of the tobacco stick illuminating in the darkness of the night. 

“You smoke?” he asked quietly, making this the first time he was initiating conversation. You shook your head and he nodded. “Don’t start,” he said as he took another puff. 

As his friends joined you, you frowned up at him. “Why do you smoke, then?”

“He’s a hypocrite, that’s why.” 

You turned your head to see the birthday boy rolling his eyes at you as he tutted at his friend. Changing topics, he grinned boyishly at you and held out his hand. 

“Satoru Gojo.”

You shook his hand and you saw his eyebrows shooting up for a split second, surprised by your strong grip. When he let go of your palm, the ends of his lips were slightly turned down, his bright blue eyes dancing as if in approval. He held up his palm to the side where a man with long hair tied up in a bun joined you with another lady with a bob haircut. The ravenette man pulled out a stick from his cigarette box and fit it in between Satoru’s fingers before taking one for himself. The woman is already puffing on her lighted cigarette.  

“So when did you find out?” 

The man with the long hair darted his eyes between the both of you but you looked up to Toji, who had been watching you the entire time. He took a breath of tobacco in and answered as he flicked the ash of his cigarette away. 

“A week ago. I was out getting supplies.”

You glanced at his friends to see that they were looking at you. “I was out shopping with my friends,” you murmured, lashes lowered shyly. 

“You’re so cute,” Satoru almost squealed, reaching his long limb out and closing his fist in front of your face like he was going to pinch your cheek. “You’re like the total opposite of this Grump,” he scoffed, stubbing his thumb out at Toji. 

“How does it feel? To have a soulmate?”

All of you turned to the only other woman there, who darted her gaze between all of you. You noticed Satoru and the guy in the man bun sharing a look. Unknowingly, your eyebrows furrowed slightly. As Toji turned his body to stub out his finished cigarette, his broad physique shielding you from his friends, he answered your unasked question. 

“They’re soulmates, the two of them,” he muttered softly, his voice low and almost ticklish in your ear. 

“Oh,” you squeaked softly. 

When Toji returned to his original position, you felt like you were seeing the two other males in a different light. 

“Hmm, contented?” The male with slitty, black eyes gave Satoru a look of unsureness. 

The blue-eyed man hummed. “Like you’re whole. You know?” He now turned to you and Toji like you would understand, maybe add on to their list. 

You blinked dumbly. Because, honestly, you still didn’t know how you felt about Toji being your soulmate. Sure, he was a good-looking, attractive man. But his personality was too cold and too quiet for your liking. You weren’t even sure if he liked you. You didn’t know how you could be his perfect match. 

“Hmm,” Toji grunted, pulling you out of your reverie. You were in awe as you watched him voice his thoughts. “It feels like you would do anything in this world to keep her safe.”

It had only been a few days since the birthday dinner and though you and Toji hadn’t spoken at all after he safely saw you back to your place, you hadn’t stopped thinking about him and what he said about having a soulmate. More specifically, having you as a soulmate. 

You were lying in bed on a Friday night, still thinking about Toji, when you heard some noises outside your room. You froze and listened really hard, and finally picked up the sound of your front door opening. You lived alone. 

You quickly sat up in your bed, just staring at your bedroom door until you heard some light clanging sounds of metals touching. That was when you ran to your closet and curled up into a ball in the dark space, as you fumbled for your phone. You didn’t hesitate to call the first person that came to mind. 

“Hello?” Toji grunted after five rings. He sounded groggy and tired. You wouldn’t be surprised if your call woke him up. 

“Toji,” you whisper-cried. If you weren’t so scared, you could probably hear the rustling on Toji’s end as he shot out of bed. “I think there’s someone in my home.”

He sounded far away when you heard him hiss, “Fuck!” A second later, his voice was steady and definitely nearer to the phone when he asked, “Where are you?”

“In my clo—” You jumped and whimpered when you heard something crashing to the floor outside. You couldn’t even take notice of Toji audibly making a mess of his home to rush over to you. You’re already crying when you finished, “My closet.”

“‘Kay, stay there, sweetheart,” the man instructed through the phone slowly, calmly. You pursed your lips and nodded. “I’m coming, okay?”

“Okay,” you whispered as a fresh hot tear fell on your cheek. 

Toji ended the call then and you had to clamp your hand over your mouth to bar any sounds from leaving you. You were alert as you kept your ears peeled to what was happening outside. There was a lot of rummaging around in the living room until you heard your bedroom door open. You shut your eyes and pressed your palm harder to your mouth. Another streak of hot tears cut through your skin. You were scared out of your wits that they might have found out there was actually someone at home on a Friday night. 

You had to listen to the intruder go through your belongings, finding valuable items to take as their loot. In the shroud of your anxiety, you missed the sound of your front door opening. But you could hear everything that happened after. 

The loud crunch of bones, the cries of pain, the under-the-breath curses. You could only hope that Toji was finally here. Still, you didn’t leave the closet in case it wasn’t. Tears were still falling from your lash line and your hand was now back over your mouth when the doors to your closet were finally yanked open. Out of reflex, you squeezed your eyes close. 

“Oh, thank fuck,” you heard a familiar, low voice breathe. 

As you opened your eyes again, you saw Toji dropping to his knees before you, his big hands reaching out to you. You couldn’t see his surprise when you fell out of the closet and into his arms, sobbing into his chest. It took him a few seconds to get over his shock but he quickly wrapped an arm around you, his other hand stroking the back of your head. 

“Shh, shh… You’re good, Princess,” Toji murmured, tilting his head slightly so his lips brushed your hair. You clung onto the fabric of his shirt, sobbing even harder. “Oh, baby, I’m so sorry,” the man whispered, his voice breaking. He had never felt more pain in all his life than right now, listening to you cry while he held on to you trembling.

The both of you stayed in this position for a long time, Toji just patiently holding you, gently stroking your hair, humming softly as if he knew that some white noise might make you feel better. 

It took you a really long time but when you’d finally stopped sniffling, you stayed slumped in Toji’s arms, your cheek smushed against his tear soaked shirt, suddenly spent from all the crying. The male stroked his hand down your back, his other hand cupping your damp cheek. His palm was rough, calloused and warm. It made you snuggle into his hold. Toji tilted your face up and you fluttered your swollen eyes open to gaze into his worried eyes, the rest of his face stoic and expressionless except for the slight downturn of his lips. 

The rough pad of his thumb swiped across your cheek, his touch making your eyes flutter shut again. You heard him sigh as he moved slightly. You peeked at him evaluating your room. Then, he turned back to you as he brushed your hair away, tucking your locks behind your ear. 

“Let’s pack your stuff. I want you to stay with me tonight,” he declared, so firm with his decision that you simply nodded, too relieved and tired to feel nervous or incredulous at his offer. 

That night, despite the both of you being soulmates, Toji respected your space, giving you his bed while he slept on the couch in his living room. After all, this was only your fourth time meeting. You were practically still strangers, at this point. 

He was right, of course. The security in his building was way better and his apartment complex was fancy. His place was the perfect bachelor’s pad, maybe just a little too big and empty for one person if you really cared enough about these things. 

It was currently two in the morning and you’d been wide awake despite how mentally exhausted you were from the distress you were under, all because you were aware of every little sound you heard. Tired of being kept awake because of paranoia, you got up and went to find the only person whom you knew could make you feel safe. 

Your footsteps were quiet as you left the room but Toji could still somehow hear you as you saw the silhouette of his head popping up off the pillow on the couch. You stopped where you were as you wrung your fingers together nervously. 

“Toji?” you whisper-squeaked. 

The man quickly sat up on the couch, facing you. He was probably going to respond, but you gasped when you heard a muffled sound coming from the unit next door. At once, you dashed towards Toji, knocking your knee against the table in your haste. 

Your soulmate caught you when you threw yourself at him, somehow cushioning the impact of your catapult. He immediately gathered you towards him as you sat on his lap turned to the side, your face in the crook of his neck, your arms circling his nape. He rubbed your knee, soothing your injury. 

“Just the neighbour, sweetheart,” he murmured into your hair. You were still clinging onto him like a baby, not saying anything. So he asked, “Wanna go to bed together?” 

You nodded at once. So Toji picked you up easily as he walked into his bedroom, laying you down on his bed and tucking you in before he came round the other side of it. He slipped under the blanket and you immediately curled into him, though not too closely. 

Now that you had your soulmate with you, sleep fell over you like a curtain. But it was not easy, because you jumped in the middle of your night when you heard a loud thud from outside. This time, though, you had turned to the other side in your slumber, which meant you were facing away from Toji. Your heart was thudding hard and fast against your chest. Breaking out in cold sweat, you stayed frozen as you focused your wide eyes on a suspicious spot in the dark room. 

You twitched when you felt a warm, heavy hand on your arm. “It’s alright, baby,” Toji murmured, his voice so low and sandy that you almost couldn’t hear him. “I’m here.”

You flipped around immediately and scooted your way into Toji’s chest, no longer concerned about the fact that you’d only met four times or that you were practically strangers. You were afraid and all that mattered was that  he was the only person who could make you feel better. 

Toji moved closer as well, his strong arms coming around you and you just naturally fit in them, your head already on his bicep and his other arm around your back, gathering you close to his warmth. He hummed, the reverberations in his chest providing you with comfort. Taking in a deep breath of Toji’s scent, you felt yourself calming down. It took you less than five minutes to fall asleep again. 

When you awoke the next morning, you were well rested and just slightly disoriented. You blinked around the unfamiliar room and the big, messy bed you were in. Before you freaked out, the bedroom door opened. You turned to see Toji walking in with a cup of coffee in one hand, the newspaper in his other. He noticed you awake and though he didn’t smile, you wondered if you were seeing things when you noticed his dull, green eyes light up. 

“Alright, Princess?” 

You nodded as you watched him climb back to bed next to you. He set the newspaper on his lap and took a sip of his coffee before setting the mug down on his bedside table. He turned to you, tentatively reaching out to brush a stray hair away from your face, his finger lightly brushing your cheek. 

“Slept well?” You nodded again, rubbing an eye. He hummed, now feeling more comfortable as he stroked your hair with his palm. You nuzzled into the pillow and shut your eyes again. “Still tired?” Your nod was becoming lazy and hard to notice. “Good night,” he whispered. 

The next time you woke, it was because of the alluring smell of bacon. You immediately got out of bed and padded out to the kitchen where Toji was at the stove, his broad back shielding you from what he was making. Going over silently, you stood next to him and peered over his muscular arm and saw that he was cooking eggs and bacon. You glanced up at him and he flicked his gaze to you, his eyes darting about your features. 

“Hungry?” You nodded shyly. “Of course you are. It’s 12PM.” You blushed, thinking he was making a subtle jab at your sleeping habits. But then he said, “You can go back to bed after eating. You had a rough night.”

“Toji, tha—”

He interrupted you from thanking him. “I told you your building wasn’t safe. You’ll listen to me now, right?” You gave an remorseful nod. He turned off the fire and leaned against the counter as he tilted his body to face you. He looked serious and scary, like a berating father. “You can’t keep living there, sweetheart. I can’t have you caught in another situation like this, you hear me?”

“But I can’t—”

“Move in with me.”

The fifth time you met him was the last time you ever had to count the number of times you saw him. Because you’d moved in with him, no questions asked. Toji was going to slowly work his way to making you quit your job but for now, he was content with you staying with him. 

You were unpacking when a cosmetic product fell out and rolled under the couch. Crouching closer to the ground, you dug your hand under the sofa and felt around for the bottle, only to come in contact with what felt like a card. Curious, you fished it out and saw that it was Toji’s credit card. 

“Toji?” you called. You heard a grunt from the bedroom and he was out the next minute. Brandishing the card to him, you announced, “I found this.”

His eyebrows were furrowed as he walked forward to retrieve it from you. You watched him scan the card for a second before his eyes lit up in recognition. 

“Where’d you find this? Under the couch?” You nodded. He had such an incredulous look on his face that you almost wanted to laugh if not for him almost rushing forward and squatting next to you. Your eyes rounded in surprise. “You can reach under the couch?” he breathed, looking so amazed that you cracked a smile. 

“Yes…?”

“Holy shit,” he cursed. He sounded the most excited you thought he could ever sound when he requested, “Babe, I have so much shit down there that I couldn’t reach. Would you be a doll and get them for me?” 

You nodded slowly. “But… why didn’t you just use something to help you fish them out?” 

He had a deadpan look when he answered, “Can’t be fucked.”

So you got back down and managed to pull out a golf ball, a set of keys, an expensive looking pen, a battery, some coins, a cell phone, and an ointment tube. The last item you got out was your makeup spray. You finally sat back on your heels and stared at Toji, who was in awe at all the things you retrieved. 

“How do you even— A cell phone?!” You shook your head when your soulmate opened his mouth to explain. “I don’t wanna know.”

“You’re perfect,” he murmured before cupping your face and pulling you closer to press his lips to your forehead. 

“Where are we going?” you whined, now so comfortable with your soulmate that you hid no thought or emotion from him. 

“You’ll see,” Toji muttered, still as frugal with his words as ever. Although you realised that he let down his guard more at home, he was still more content with listening to you than he was speaking. 

Toji led you to the entrance of a bar where you had to go down a set of stairs, his hand held behind his back as he carefully walked you down the steps. It was three in the afternoon and you weren’t sure why you were at a bar until he pushed through the door that had a ‘closed’ sign and two familiar men sitting at the bar counter turned to face you. 

Satoru wasted no time in hopping off his stool to bound over to you. “Hello, my lovely,” he cooed as he slung his arm over your shoulder and reached his other hand out to pull yours away from Toji’s hold. You blushed at his friendliness. “Did you come to see me?” 

You were propelled to sit on his warmed up stool, the white-haired man helping you up on it easily. His soulmate smiled courteously at you. Toji tried to take the seat next to you but Satoru immediately planted himself on it, scooting closer to you. You thought you heard Toji growl. 

“You remember Suguru,” Satoru reintroduced, holding an arm out to his soulmate. You nodded. He grinned and moved closer to whisper, “Tell him to pay up.” You frowned and turned to him, only to realise how close his face was. Satoru’s grin widened when he saw your face getting redder. He leaned back a little. “He bet you’d have cut your thread by now.”

You heard Toji scoff. “Why would I?” you asked. 

“Because Fushiguro is an irritable old fart,” Suguru answered matter-of-factly. “I didn’t think you’d want to stay soulmates with a man like that.”

You frowned. “That’s mean. I like Toji.”

“Aww,” Satoru cooed, resting his head against yours. “You’re such a sweetheart. Toji is lucky to have you.”

“There’s no ice.” You turned to see Toji now behind the counter, glaring at the two men before him. 

“Yeah, we had to buy. Our ice maker is—” 

Toji didn’t even listen to the rest of his sentence before he went to the kitchen, where you assumed he was getting the ice they bought. Suguru rolled his eyes. 

“See what I mean?”

You giggled a little. “He isn’t always like that,” you promised them. 

“What is he like, then, when he is with you?” Suguru wondered, almost dubious that he could be anything but mean and grumpy. 

You thought about it as you watched your soulmate come back through the kitchen door with two glasses filled with ice. He got a cocktail shaker and started putting together a concoction. 

“Hmm,” you hummed. “He takes care of me all the time,” you murmured. Toji glanced at you, holding your gaze with his. “He always lets me have my way—“

“Within reason,” Toji added in a mutter. 

One time in the two months you had been staying with him, you’d asked to go to sleep with your head under his shirt, very literally to hide inside the shirt he is wearing. Which, resulted in Toji rejecting your incredulous idea and you whining and guilt-tripping him by swearing you were cold and needed more warmth. He finally compromised but instead of doing what you asked, he slept top naked with you snuggled up in his chest. He never wore a shirt to sleep ever since then. 

Ignoring his comment, you continued, “And he makes lame dad jokes sometimes—”

“No way,” Gojo breathed in awe. 

You nodded at him to reaffirm what you just said. “And he is really nice to me.”

Toji placed a glass of milky white liquid on the counter in front of you before going to wash the equipment he used. Then, he poured himself a whisky and stayed on the other side of the counter where he could see you better. 

“What’s this?” you murmured, picking up the glass he put before you. 

You glanced at him watching you over the rim of his drink, an eyebrow ticking in a non-verbal way of telling you to go ahead. So you took a tentative sip and smacked your lips as you tried to figure out what it tasted like. It was sweet and just a little bit sour. You really liked it. 

“Candy?” you guessed. 

“Skittles?” Satoru joined in. You turned to him in shock because how did he know what exactly it tasted like? The blue eyed man immediately shot up from his seat and pointed an accusing finger at your soulmate. “You motherfucker! You said you didn’t know how to make any of our cocktails!”

“Of course he does, Satoru,” his soulmate sighed. “We taught him and Shoko how to make them.”

“Why would you tell us that you don’t, then?!” Satoru yelled, frustrated at his best friend. 

“Too much work,” Toji shrugged, taking another sip of his whisky. 

Satoru grumbled under his breath, not forgetting any curses directed at your soulmate too. “So you actually knew how to make a Hollow Purple?” Toji stayed staring at his friend and Satoru somehow knew what that meant. He blew up again. “You motherfucking fuck! Those girls were so fucking hot! They never came back again!”

“Because I didn’t make their drink?”

“Yeah, and your stale ass attitude,” Satoru spat. 

“They were embarrassed,” Suguru explained. 

Toji scoffed. “Shouldn’t have hit on me then.”

“Well, you were single then.” Suguru glanced at you, as if to let you know that your soulmate wasn’t cheating on you. “And I guess you’re an alright looking man.”

“You and Satoru are handsome too,” you remarked, wanting to be part of the conversation somehow. 

Gojo cooed as he grabbed your face to land kisses on your cheek, making you scrunch up your face. “I’m going to love you, and take care of you, and—”

“Get off her, you creep.”

Satoru stopped to glare at your soulmate, who looked unamused and annoyed at the scene before him. Just to play along, you circled your arms around Satoru’s waist and tilted your head to press your cheeks together. 

“I like Toru,” you say cutely.

All you heard was a loud squeal before you were smushed against the white-haired male in a tight hug. 

You locked your phone and stared up at Toji as he watched a soccer match on the TV. Noticing your gaze on him, he glanced down at you with your head on his lap, his arm resting across your chest. He raised an eyebrow in a wordless question. 

“What went through your mind when you found out I was your soulmate?” you wondered. 

He was quiet for a while before he murmured, “That I was a lucky bastard.”

You quirked a smile. “Did you really?” He hummed as a yes. “You didn’t think I was weird?” 

He frowned. “Why would I?”

“Because I was so awkward…”

Toji bent his arm to stroke your chin. “You were so cute.” His eyes were so soft on you. “The cutest thing I ever laid my eyes on. I was so afraid I might hurt you.”

Now, it was your turn to frown. “Why would you?”

The back of his fingers now stroked your cheek absentmindedly. “You’re so innocent and so tiny compared to me, Princess. I’m still afraid I might accidentally roll over you in my sleep and kill you.”

You giggled. “You’re so funny, Toji.”

“I’m not kidding.”

You didn’t doubt him. He may be a man of few words but he was good at communicating his feelings through his actions. He would always put you before himself and he would always be hovering over you in case you hurt yourself. 

You smiled up at him, your heart feeling so full. He was the sweetest man alive. “You know, I actually thought you didn’t like me when we first met,” you confessed. Now thinking back, it was kind of funny. 

“I’m sorry you felt that way,” he apologised, now cupping your cheek, his thumb stroking your skin. “I’m not good with people.”

“You’re good with me,” you chirp with a cute smile. 

“Well, you’re not people.” 

You frowned. What did he mean by that? 

You were about to start pouting when Toji said, “You’re my Princess and my baby.” 

At once, your face exploded in red. Your heart started pitter pattering against your ribcage. You grabbed Toji’s hand and used it to cover your blushing face. You could hear him laughing, which made you whine. But you stopped and held your breath when you heard the next sentence Toji murmured. 

“You’re the best thing that ever happened to me, baby.”

And he was the best thing that ever happened to you, too. 

Part 1, Part 2 >>

-

© chocochipsushi 2024 all works are mine, please do not rewrite/plagiarise

[deanstead]

5 Times You Held Back + 1 Time You Didn't Have To

Pairing: Will Halstead x Reader

Requested: no

Summary: Five times you held back, and the one time you didn’t have to

Word Count: 3K+

Warnings: not Natalie Manning friendly, not Manstead friendly

A/N: Got into my protect Will Halstead feelings and this is the result. Thanks to @seatsbythepit for being the angel she is and beta-ing for me! Also tagging @squadmuse because she wanted it! Anyway edited this at 1am so all mistakes are mine!

WILL HALSTEAD MASTERLIST

1

Today was it.

You’d told yourself you’d do it. You would tell Will how you felt.

You’d grown up with the Halsteads and the brothers had taken you under their wing. You’d been almost inseparable since that first day, other than the time both Will and Jay had left Chicago for other pursuits. But that hadn’t changed much of anything. Your bond with the Halsteads was a constant.

They were the older brothers you never had, the family you yearned for. Until the day you realized you’d fallen for Will. You’d fallen so hard that there wasn’t even a way out of it.

And only that idiot Will had absolutely no idea. Even Jay had picked up on it, but Will was clueless.

You needed to rip the band aid out, so you’d decided that it was better to get it over with.

You’d headed straight down from the wards once you’d looked in on your patient, hoping to catch Will.

You stepped out of the doors, noticing Will and Natalie almost immediately. You were already heading for them when they stepped toward each other and you knew what was coming. But it was like being unable to tear your eyes away from a car wreck you knew was going to happen.

So you stood there, like a complete idiot, as you watched Natalie step up to Will, her head angled in what you knew was a kiss.

Next thing you knew, before it happened, someone had spun you around.

Jay stared back at you with concern only an older brother would have filling his eyes.

His eyes snapped back upwards for just a second before he gave a small smile. “Come on, let’s go.”

You didn’t say anything, just let Jay lead you to your car. You sat in the passenger’s seat for a while and Jay glanced at you. “You okay?”

You turned to give him a smile. “Yeah, of course. It’s not like Will and I…” You let your voice trail off and you turned away.

Jay just started the car and drove off, leaving his older brother behind.

2

You knew this day would come. The day Will would sit you and Jay down and tell you he was engaged.

You always knew it.

But you hadn’t expected to feel like you’d been stabbed in the middle of your chest.

Jay was no help because he hadn’t even warned you, even though you knew for a fact that the ring sitting on Natalie’s finger now had been at Jay’s apartment a week ago.

Then, of all things, you had to overhear Natalie and Will talking about the wedding.

“A church wedding, a reception… I’ve done all that before.”

You’d been staying out of their business but those words seemed to find you like a heat-seeking missile.

It was hard enough dealing with your overwhelming feelings for Will as he was planning a wedding with a girl he was head over heels in love with. But hearing such a comment really got under your skin.

You couldn’t really believe your ears. Even if this was Natalie’s second marriage, you wondered why she hadn’t considered that it was Will’s first. His excitement was almost contagious. At least it would have been if you weren’t so overwhelmingly and stupidly in love with him.

You wanted to tell Natalie that she was being immensely selfish, that she had no idea how good she had it and a few other choice words but you swallowed them all down and turned away.

You smiled a little when you heard Will stand up for himself, just glad he wasn’t going to give in, but you didn’t turn around, merely walking away to join some of the other doctors in your department.

After all, there was nothing you could say.

3

You felt you’d handled everything great overall, especially after everything that had happened.

Every time you felt you could do this, Will would pull something crazy on you that made you need to take a step back. Be it his engagement, his wedding, his disappearance, or witness protection.

Even when he’d returned, you’d found out from Jay first because he’d naturally gone to Natalie.

You couldn’t even be pissed because you were so relieved he was okay.

Then, he showed up at your door.

“Will?”

You glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s the middle of the night. You okay?”

Will nodded. “Look, Jay’s on assignment. Can I crash here tonight?”

You frowned but stepped backward to let him in. “Yeah, of course.”

You’d gotten the couch ready for Will as best as you could before getting him a beer. “What’s up?”

“Natalie kicked me out.” Will said quietly.

You froze. “What?”

You thought you’d heard him wrongly. Because if you were Natalie, you’d put him in your arms immediately, you’d take in every moment you had with Will and you’d just be glad he was home, back in Chicago, safe and sound.

You swallowed, pushing the thoughts back down because you couldn’t allow yourself to go there. Not now, because no matter what this was, it didn’t change the fact he was still engaged to Natalie.

You’d never particularly liked Natalie. You hadn’t disliked her, you just didn’t have much of an opinion. Until this moment.

You hadn’t even been resentful when she’d shown up with Will on the night you’d set aside for the Halsteads although Jay was a little irritated but you knew he was just being protective. You hadn’t even felt much when she handed you the wedding invitation at work but tonight?

You felt it now, the annoyance that coursed through your veins as you looked back at Will sitting on your couch. You were glad to have him back of course, but he wasn’t the Will that had left. Jay had reminded you it was to be expected, and you knew that but seeing the unfamiliar lines of anxiety across his face felt unsettling and you hated it.

But to throw your fiancé out on the first night he was home?

You couldn’t understand any of this.

The urge to tell Will everything you felt was pulsating through you, so you swallowed and patted his arm.

“Get some sleep.”

“Thanks Y/N.”

You could only force a smile.

4

“Will?”

You felt it, the fear clawing at you when you saw him running in carrying Natalie, blood running down his face.

“Oh God, Will…”

“I’m fine!” Will snapped.

You’d never shied away from a fight with Will, feelings or no feelings but this wasn’t the first time he’d snapped at you since Natalie had broken things off and returned his mother’s ring to him.

You knew things had been hard for him. You weren’t sure if it was worse being Will who had been dumped, or if it was worse to be you, forced to watch Will pine after Natalie even after it was clear she’d moved on as easily as if they hadn’t almost gotten married.

It was probably worse to be you, considering the only thing you could do was divert his attention and anyone who knew Will knew that it was like fighting a losing battle.

You wanted to tell him he deserved better. You wanted to tell him how you’d never make him feel the way he felt now. You were even down for a drinking and bitching session.

But Will wasn’t ready for it.

So, you could only hang there quietly in the background, making sure Will knew you were there when he needed you.

But the fact he’d snapped at you right now, when he could barely stand straight, his face still stained with blood, unable to tear his eyes away from the room Natalie was in, just felt like it was adding insult to injury.

You felt the worry switch to hurt, then annoyance and borderline anger before you turned away. You motioned at one of the nurses, who nodded at you.

You didn’t tell Will you were leaving but you left word at the nurses’ station for them to leave Connor a message. At least he’d have a harder time fighting Connor.

You left the hospital, making the turn toward a bar near your place. You didn’t feel like going home to an empty apartment, but you didn’t feel like going to Molly’s where everyone knew you either.

You hadn’t gone too far when Jay had called, asking if you heard about Will and if you could pick him up.

Holding back a sigh, you agreed and turned right back around to drive back to the hospital.

You found Will upstairs, standing over Natalie, right before Philip walked right up to Will. You couldn’t hear exactly what you were saying but the argument was clear.

“Get out of my face.” Will growled, just as you slid yourself between them.

“Back off.” The two words slipped through your gritted teeth as you glared at Philip. This guy had always given you the creeps.

You turned back to look at Will. “Both of you.”

Then, you gently pushed Will out of the room.

“Y/N…”

You didn’t look directly at him. “I’m only here because Jay called. Come on, I’ll take you back.”

Ignoring the way his gaze lingered on Natalie, you stepped towards the lifts first, jamming your hands back into your pockets.

The only other thing you said to him that night was, “It’s not your fault.”

You didn’t let Will answer before you closed Jay’s apartment door on him, turning to return back to yours.

5

You had come down to the ED since Will had asked you to wait for him so you could go for drinks, the awkwardness from the night of the accident long lifted. But he’d started without you, because you’d spotted them already drinking. However, before you could step into the lounge, Will burst out, running right past you.

“Will!” You yelled, but he didn’t even hear you.

And you knew that wasn’t a good sign.

You stopped just long enough to ask Crockett what had happened before you were tearing out after Will as well.

On a good day, Will couldn’t keep his mouth shut to save his life.

It used to be a running joke with you and Halstead brothers that one day Jay would hold him down and you would sew his mouth shut. That way he’d stop getting himself into trouble.

And today was definitely not a good day.

Especially not that Will’s gut feeling had been proven right - Philip was lying to Natalie.

You made it out just in time to hear Will and Natalie talking, so you hesitated. This didn’t seem like a conversation you should be involved in.

You were about to turn around and leave when the next words out of Natalie’s mouth made you freeze in your tracks.

“I can take care of myself! Just get out of my life!”

You spun around, pretty sure your mouth was agape.

You could see the hurt in Will’s eyes even from this distance and you felt the anger bubble up in your gut.

But you also knew you needed to prioritize.

You stepped right up to Will, not even aware if Natalie had already walked off and closed your hand around his wrist. “Come on, let’s go.”

Will didn’t move for a second, like he was still processing.

You felt that urge bubble up to the surface once again, the one where you wanted to run to Natalie and shake some sense into her. Better yet, you wanted to tell her exactly what you thought of her and how she treated the people around her.

But there was a strange look in Will’s eyes that you’d never seen before. So, you didn’t move, just waited, your hand still clasped tightly around his wrist.

And once again, you didn’t say anything.

1

Things had been strangely quiet since that confrontation Will had had with Natalie.

They avoided eye contact in the ED, even though there were a few times you caught Will looking in her direction, like he was considering talking to her.

That had only lasted a few days, however.

It could have had something to do with the conversation you and Will had had about finally moving on, or the fact that Natalie still looked at him coldly as if Will was the one who had lied to her or hurt her.

But no matter what, Will did seem to be moving - in a direction opposite from Natalie.

It felt like you’d finally gotten your friend back.

You’d been spending a lot of time together, that Jay had teased you about making it way too obvious that you only wanted to hang out with Will.

But there was something different.

You couldn’t really pinpoint it - maybe it was the way he stood a little too close, or maybe it was the way he laughed, but something felt different, especially as he seemed to finally put her down.

Then, it came. One night, the both of you were standing on the roof, watching a video that one of Will’s patients had sent to him when you heard her call out to him.

“Will, can we talk?”

You felt your heart sink. Of course, the familiar taste of rejection that you’d almost learned to live with, but also the dread that this was happening once again.

You pulled back from Will a little, only just realizing how close the both of you were standing with each other.

You gave Will a small smile that didn’t reach your eyes and said quietly, “I’ll see you downstairs.”

To your surprise, Will reached out, his hand closing gently around your wrist.

You didn’t miss Natalie’s eyes flicking toward his hand, but you were just as surprised so you glanced back at him.

Will didn’t seem to know what to say then he gave you a small smile. “It won’t take long.”

You nodded, turning to leave.

Natalie didn’t even wait for you to be out of earshot before she began.

“I remember, Will. I remember the night of the accident. I was coming to tell you that I was wrong, that I was really unfair to you… and that I love you.”

It was an instinctive reaction as you froze, one foot in front of the other.

But you didn’t stick around to hear Will’s answer, pushing yourself out the door by sheer willpower.

You decided you didn’t really want to wait for Will. There was no point in sticking around just to have your heart broken anyway. But the universe seemed to have a problem with your decision and everything seemed to be moving in slow motion around you, even the lift was exceedingly slow today.

Fucking Murphy.

You’d finally stepped toward the carpark, heading straight for your car when a hand closed over your wrist, pulling you back.

You looked back into Will’s eyes as you turned around, your heart sinking. You really didn’t need this now.

Your eyes must have betrayed you because Will’s expression changed. “I need to tell you something.”

You pulled your arm gently out of his grasp and shook your head. “Not now, Will. I don’t need to hear it now.”

“Yes, you do.” Will said, his voice pressing a little firmly.

Swallowing down the urge to snap at him, you turned to face him. “Look, it’s not any of my business who you see. You don’t have to tell me anything.”

A small frown crossed Will’s face and he took half a step back. Then, as if he’d made some sort of decision all on his own, he glanced back at you again.

“It is your business if you’re that person.” Will’s voice was low but you swore it felt like the entire temperature outside had shifted. You doubted your own ears as you blinked back at him.

Will continued, “When Natalie told me to get out of her life, I did. And it was… not what I expected. That was the best decision I ever made, Y/N. I finally… I finally realized what I was missing.”

You blinked back stupidly at him.

“I promise this isn’t some spur of the moment thing. I’ve been trying to find a way to tell you but I just… it sounded stupid or insincere everytime I tried so I kept waiting for the perfect opportunity..” Will’s voice faded a little, his eyes searching your face for some sort of indication.

When there was nothing, Will spoke again.

“Y/N, say something.”

You didn’t really know what to say because nothing seemed real.

You glanced up at Will again but you knew Will. He wouldn’t fuck around with something like this. He was oblivious, that was clear. But ever since that mess with Nina, you also knew he’d never jump into something unless he’d sorted his own feelings out.

“Will, it’s always been… well, you.” You paused, taking a deep breath.

“You have no idea how many times I had to hold back. All the things I wanted to tell you. How was I supposed to tell you how I felt when you weren’t looking at me? How was I supposed to help you see that you deserved someone who loved and cared about you at least half as much as how you care about people around you? That you deserve to be protected too? But I couldn’t. I told myself that even if I had to be your best friend or younger sister for the rest of your life, you deserved to have someone who would be there for you, no matter how much it hurt…”

Will didn’t let you keep rambling on. Instead, he stepped forward, pulling you gently to fit your body against his, in the middle of the open carpark, and pressed his lips against yours.

It was hesitant at first, but when you responded, you felt Will fall into it as well, the kiss going deeper.

“I’m sorry I was an idiot. A blind idiot.” Will said, his voice low as he gently pulled away again.

You just smiled. “Better late than never right?”

Your teasing voice just made him smile and he circled his arms around you, pulling you tightly against him without saying anything else.

And you knew. You knew that you didn’t need to hold back any longer.

THANK YOU FOR READING!! PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YOU THOUGHT OF THIS!!

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[puppetwoman17]

I think about Moon Knight a lot. Specifically about the fact that gods speak through their avatars when needed. But the way Khonsu speaks through Mark/Steven/Jake tells me they haven’t been an avatar for very long, as the body isn’t used to the possession.

So I got to thinking: Billy became intertwined with magic at a young age, even younger than most DC mages. Sometimes it’s ten, sometimes it’s seven(personally I like to go with seven). It’s basically part of him. So, the whole possession thing like in MK would be much easier for him.

For other avatars, it still takes time. They were chosen at older ages. Even the more experienced ones still twitch uncomfortably or raise their head too high. It’s always erratic.

No matter how many gods are speaking through Billy, though, his body always moves smoothly. His body can walk and eat and move however he wants, without issue. Even that odd, powerful echo in his voice isn’t an issue.

For Billy, it’s normal.

For the JL, though, it’s just another reminder that their teammate had to go through so many changes at a young age.

MK teams up with the JL once, and Khonsu can’t help but use his avatar to speak. Everyone is instantly worried because MK keeps jerking and looking up. His eyes glow. His voice is hoarse and his body looks like it’s locking up.

The only person who doesn’t look worried is Captain Marvel. Before they know it, his eyes are glowing too.

“Your avatar looks pathetic,” the gods say through their champion, and everyone immediately steps back because the echo is so all encompassing and tempermental.

MK jerks as his god says “yours is handling it perfectly. I wonder why.”

“Do not spin this on us, Khonsu.”

“I do wonder, are there any child labor laws on Olympus?”

The gods of Olympus and the god of the night sky are at each other’s throats.

That is, until Billy decides to intervene and take control of his body, halting the conversation because the gods have big mouths.

“That’s enough of that today.” He loos at MK. “No one likes a bully, Khonsu. Even if they were asking for it.”

That day sticks with the JL. It reminds them that their teammate is something entirely different from them. Younger, for one. But also that his life is dedicated in service to those who blessed him. He is completely integrated into a world of myths and gods and magic.

If they’re being honest, it scares them.

[lunajay33]

Taste for Older Men Part.2

•⚰️🍂🍑•

Summary: Growing up with you never had much interest in boys your age but when your dads best friends stuck around more everything changed

Pairing: Cowboy Negan x f!reader

Warnings: age gap, evil boyfriend

Part.1

•Masterlist•

It’s been a week since everything happened, my parents have been extremely over supportive always, when I’d come down for breakfast they’d have wide smiles and cheery voices but I couldn’t hate them for it they’re just trying to make me feel better even though I was already happier than I’ve ever been in my life

I still work everyday at Negans farm but my parents still don’t know that we’re together and we’re not quite sure how to tell them, I mean he’s my dads best friend and I don’t want to ruin that but I also can’t give up Negan he’s all I’ve ever wanted so there’s got to be a way

I was in the barn pitch forking up some loose hay when I feel Negans arms wrap around my waist

“You know if I was gonna get more help around here I’d have told you my feelings way earlier” I laugh as I lean back into his chest

“Watch yourself lil lady I’m still your boss remember”

“Oh I remember” he spins me in his arms resting my hands on his shoulders

“So how do we tell my parents I don’t want to sneak around I want to be able to be with you when we’re around other people”

“I know sunshine, old man invited me over tonight to watch football might tell him then, and you can talk to your mother” I feel nervous about this but it needs to be done

“Hopefully they don’t rip my head off”

“If they’re going that route it’ll be me they rip apart” me smiles as he leans down to kiss me his grey speckled beard scratching against my face but it was something I craved when he wasn’t around

“Come on let’s finish up our chores before you get carried away like last time” I laugh as he groans

I got home early as Negan let me off to get ready for tonight and go through everything I want to say to my mom, he wanted that time too he had more to worry about but my father is an understanding man I just home he can understand this too

I stripped off my dirty work clothes and hoped in the shower, relaxing as the dirt and sweat from the day washed away down the drain, after I was all squeaky clean I got dressed in a casual pair of black leggings and a red long sleeve shirt, putting two braids in my hair then waiting on my bed anxiously

After another hour I picked up my phone and dialed Negan, after two rings I hear his voice and everything seemed to not be as stressful

“Hey baby ya alright?”

“Yeah I’m better now, just nervous”

“Don’t stress honey I’m on my way over now, we’ll get this settled” he said with a calming tone

“Okay I’ll see you soon”

We hung up and I made my way downstairs sitting at the kitchen island waiting to hear the rumble of his truck, soon the headlights shine through the window and he’s knocking at the door

I want to rush to the door and through my arms around him but contain myself and let my dad answer, Negans technically his guest anyways

“Negan! You excited for the game buddy?” My dad asked cheerfully as he patted him on the shoulder

“You bet, I meet you in the lounge soon I’ll go say hi to your wife and y/n!”

“Always with the southern hospitality!”

Negan rounded the corner and came into the kitchen where me and my mother sat I couldn’t help the huge smile that stretched my cheeks

“Negan so wonderful to see you again, last time was a bit crazy” I looked down a little embarrassed by that whole fiasco

“Lovely to see you too, and of course my dear little farm hand” he said brushing his hand down my back out of my mothers gaze making my skin chill

“Oh Negan she’s still behaving well isn’t she?”

“Mother of course I am”

“Don’t worry she’s always a great help, got myself a lil working lady”

I look up at him with so much joy and admiration before my mother clear her throat and snaps us out of our moment

“Well here’s two beers, better get in there before he makes a big deal about us stealing you away again” she laughed handing over the beers and began left the room

I look back at my mother who had a knowing look on her face, raised eyebrow with a slight smirk

“What?”

“I’m not stupid sweetie, I’ve seen the way you looked at him since he started coming around, only recently he’s been giving you the same look soooooo you have something to tell me dear”

“Don’t be mad, what I feel for him is real, how he treats me really show how badly Mike treated me and how much Negan treats me like a goddess, he’s a good man”

“I’m not mad, I’m glad you found a man who can treat you the way you deserve, hopefully your father will look at it the same way”

I down now we wait to either hear a fight or Negan comes out smiling

“WHAT?” I hear from the lounge, oh no

I rush into the lounge seeing my dad up in Negans face and he looked more betrayed than angry

“Dad, calm down it’s okay”

“How is this okay my best friend with my daughter”

“I love her f/n” he went silent and so did I this was the first time Negans declared his love

“You love me?” I ask as I step closer

“Of course I do, you’re a wonderful woman every moment with you I feel more happier and at ease than I’ve ever been”

“I love you too sunshine” I lean up to wrap my arms around his neck and he held me tight

“F/n, you know Negan and he’ll treat her right compared to that excuse for a boyfriend she had before” my mom said then hearing my dad sigh

“I know it’s just a lot to wrap my head around, when did this happen?”

“The day we had the barbecue, he came and made me feel better about everything that happened and well our feelings just came out”

“I mean me and your mother knew how you felt about Negan it was pretty obvious, I guess I can eventually get use to this”

“My god was it that obvious?” I ask looking up at Negan and he had a sly smirk

“You didn’t make it sneaky when you’d look at me darlin”

Taglist: @azanoni @scorpioempress @fanficwriter5 @elliesr1fle @imimatcha4life @indigosparkle444

[wakasaz]

DILF

♡Pairing: Wakasa Imaushi x Afab!reader

♡Summary: Wakasa can't keep his hands off his new babysitter.

♡Based on this

♡WC: 4.6k

♡TW: 18+ MDNI, unprotected sex, pet names, oral, fingering, pregnancy, absent parent, gang leader Wakasa, Club owner Wakasa. Use of yn but only a few times. I think that's everything but I probably forgot something.

♡A/N: All characters are 21+, not proofread, I love single Father wakasa so much I had to make a whole fic for it.

"Get out. Just get out." Wakasa says to the fifth person he has interviewed today. He didn't think finding someone to care for his daughter while he is out would be this hard. Truth is he didn't even want to find anyone to watch her, but Benkei talked him into it. What was so wrong with taking her to "work" with him. He didn't take her anywhere dangerous, and he made sure whoever was around her could be trusted. His men knew that they needed to keep her safe. Of course, though he listened to Benkei. He was tired of hearing the taller male complain about how dangerous it was. As if Wakasa would allow anyone to hurt her. No one crossed him and if they did, they knew they signed their death certificate. 

Letting out a sigh as he turns his back to the girl and pinches the bridge of his nose he walks to get himself a drink. "Please, just go" He says again. He can hear sniffling. He made her cry but he didn't care. The girl was an idiot. No way in hell was she going to even be in the same room as his daughter. Everyone he has interviewed so far has been an idiot. He hasn't found one person he sees capable of caring for the most important girl in his life. He's been interviewing people for days and he swears they get worse and worse each time. 

Wakasa never wanted to be a father. He didn't think he would be good at it. He knew fighting and fucking. He didn't know how to be soft. He couldn't be soft. He was the white leopard, feared all around Japan. Of course all of that changed the moment he laid eyes on what he could only describe as the most beautiful and precise baby he has ever seen. No, Wakasa didn't want to be a father, but he took the role seriously and over time he wondered how he lived his whole life without this girl in it. 

On top of not wanting to be a parent he also didn't want to be a single parent. But he was thrown into that all too quickly. The woman he got pregnant was just a casual hook up. They fucked a few times but he was fucking other women as well. Wakasa didn't even know she was pregnant. She stopped returning his calls a few weeks after the last time he fucked her and that was it. He honestly forgot about her until he got a phone call in the middle of the night with her screaming at him to come to the hospital. He wasn't going to go but Benkei once again talked him into doing something he didn't want to do. Now he doesn't know how to thank Benkei enough for making him go. 

He didn't believe the child was his when she first told him. That was until he saw her. She was a spitting image of him as a baby. He couldn't deny she was his. Wakasa swears that's the first time he ever felt love. He loved her more than anything and would do anything for her. That's how he ended up being talked into finding a nanny and now he wants to strangle Benkei. 

Taking a sip from his glass he groans. He hears the door slam shut. "Only three more people today," He reminds himself. He checks his watch. The next person should be here any minute. That's when he hears a knock at the door. Answering it he is met with a young girl standing in his doorway. The other girls being interviewed were younger than him but this one has to be the youngest. College age maybe? Definitely doesn't look any older than twenty or twenty one. She clears her throat. "Hello sir, I'm (y/n), are you Mr. Imaushi? I'm here for an interview." Wakasa feels his cock twitch when the word sir leaves your lips. He's been called sir before but the way it sounds with your sweet voice is doing things to him. 

Wakasa coughs trying to cover up a groan. "Come in" He says As he leads you into his living room. He sits and points to the chair across from him. He started asking you questions. Where you’re from, Why you want to be a nanny, any training. With every question you answered perfectly. At least he thought it was perfect. He wasn’t really listening to everything you said. He was just watching you. He thought you were pretty but Wakasa is around a lot of pretty women so he isn’t sure why it’s bothering him so much that he thinks you’re pretty. 

“What about you?” you ask as you fiddle with your fingers. “Huh?” he asked, looking at you with slightly wider eyes. You clear your throat. “Oh, um, You asked what I do for work besides babysitting since I said I haven’t babysat since high school. I was just asking what you do sir.” Wakasa feels his cock twitch again. He’s not sure why hearing you call him sir is having this effect. “Oh. I own a club and work in trade.” You nod “That’s cool. So you’re a businessman.” you quietly laugh. “I guess you could call me that,” he says, smirking in your direction. “What club do you own, maybe I know it” you ask, smiling at the older man across from you. He doubts you know it. From the short time knowing you he doesn’t think you are the type to frequent his type of establishment. “It’s called Hydra” He says as he starts to roll his sleeves up his arm. “I doubt you’ve-” “ That’s the one across from that ramen restaurant right? I’ve been there a few times with friends” Wakasa tilts his head. You’ve been to his club? You don’t seem the type. Not to mention you didn’t act like you recognised him. Almost everyone who goes to his club knows who he is. 

Wakasa lets out a hum. “I didn’t expect that.” He smirks again “I didn’t realize you were the owner. I thought it was the guy with a scar down his face.” his smirk drops. Of course you would think it was Takeomi. He hits on almost every piece of ass that walks into the place, and he likes to act like it's his club to those who by some grace of god don’t know Waskasa. Why is he friends with that moocher again? “Takeomi likes to pretend it’s his club. I can’t kick the guy out because we’re friends” You giggle. “He tried to get me to sleep with him. Don’t get me wrong I like older guys but he just isn’t my type” Wakasas smirk returns. “You like older guys huh?” You roll her eyes as you cover your face with your hands. “Can we continue with the interview please?” Wakasa chuckles as he starts asking questions related to the job again. 

By the end of the interview Wakasa was sold. You were perfect. He also caught his daughter a few times peeking from the steps listening in on what was going on. This was the first time she came down from her room the whole time he was interviewing anyone.  Offering you the job was a no brainer. He did have to tell himself your looks didn’t play a part in this. It was strictly that you were the best applying. 

“Can you start tomorrow evening?” He asked as he was walking you to the door. You stop and turn around looking at him wide eyed. “Wait really?” he nods. You let out a squeak and wrap your arms around him hugging the older man. “Yes!” Once you realized what you did you quickly let go taking a step back and putting your arms behind your back and looking down. “Sorry” you whispered. “Can I get your number? I’ll call you later this evening to tell you all the details” You nod and part ways after putting it into his phone. While walking down the street you pull out your phone and call the person who got you the interview in the first place. “Senju, Why didn’t you tell me he was so hot?!”

Wakasa told you to show up at five so he could give you a tour of the place and introduce you to his daughter before he had to leave. You are currently standing in front of Waksasa’s door trying to get the courage to knock. You weren’t scared yesterday because Senju didn’t tell you the man she said needed a sitter was hot. Senju also gagged when you told her Wakasa was hot yesterday. You pull at the bottom of your skirt trying to make it a little longer. Taking a deep breath you knock and no more than five seconds pass before the door is opened and Wakasa is standing before you in black pants and a white button up shirt, the first three buttons undone and his sleeves rolled up. He has a little girl on his hip who looks no older than four or five. She looks like him. She even has the same bored eyes as him. He moves out of the way to let you in. 

(Y/n), this is Rini, my daughter. Rini this is (Y/N), the woman I told you that was going to look after you while daddy has work”  Rini buries her face on Wakasas shoulder. “She’s normally not shy” “It’s fine. Rini, I'm sure you and I are going to be great friends.” You say smiling at the toddler. She picks her head up and looks at you then smiles softly while nodding her head. After introducing you two and getting Rini a little more comfortable Wakasa walks around the huge penthouse showing you around. “And this is Rini’s room. She needs to be in bed no later than eight. She has a connecting bathroom.” He says pointing to the door in the room. “And my room” He says, turning and pointing to a door on the end of the hall. “Is there. I doubt you need anything from there but if Rini won’t sleep in her bed you can put her in mine.” 

Walking to the kitchen Wakasa finishes showing you where everything is. “I left money on the counter so you can order dinner for the two of you.” He puts Rini down and she clings to his leg not wanting him to leave. He walks to the door taking Rini with him. “That should be everything but if you need anything or have any questions just give me a call.” You nod and smile at him. He bends down and removes the young girl from his leg while he crouches down in front of her. “Be good for (Y/N), okay my little bunny” the blonde hair girl nods her head while opening her arms for a hug. “Daddy loves you. I’ll see you in the morning.” Wakasa says kissing the top of Rini’s head. Wakasa walks over to you. “Don’t let anything happen to her. I’m serious about calling me if there are any issues. I can be here in ten minutes.” nodding your head and promising the older male you will take great care of his daughter he leaves you guys alone. 

You bend down slightly, putting your hands on your knees. “Okay Rini, what do you want to do?”  “I want my daddy!” she yells while pouting. “I want your daddy too” You say under your breath. “How about I order us some dinner and we can turn on the tv and watch a movie?” you ask the purple eyed girl. She nods her head then runs to sit on the couch. 

While watching the little mermaid you hear a knock on the door. Rini is sitting with her blanket and a stuffed bunny not moving her eyes from the tv. You go get the money Wakasa left you and open the door. The delivery man gives you the food and you walk back in. Going to the kitchen you made Rini a plate and take it out to the living room for her to eat. Wakasa never said she couldn’t eat there and seeing how he is with her, you know she has him wrapped around her finger. Rini eats her food and before long she is asleep on your lap. You pick her up and carry her to her room and tuck her in. You go back down to the living and start playing on your phone waiting till Wakasa gets home. He told you, you could stay the night because he wouldn’t be back till the early morning hours. 

While scrolling on your phone Senju texts you asking how it's going. You tell everything you and Rini did. You talk to Senju for a few hours before falling asleep on the couch.

Over the next several weeks you and Rini have gotten closer. Wakasa and you have even gotten a little closer. He has you coming around a few hours before he has to leave saying Rini wants to see you. Everytime when you arrive at the Imaushis house you are greeted with Rini running over to you screaming your name and giving you a hug. Wakasa has told you before that all she talks about is how much she likes you and wishes you could be around more. You started to notice things about Wakasa over the time working for him. More than just his looks. He can be really sweet when he wants to be, and he is very protective of his daughter. You’ve also seen the protectiveness extend to you as well. You told him about a bad date you went on and how the guy hasn’t left you alone since and was starting to freak you out. You haven’t heard from the guy since. You know it was Wakasa. You also learned about his real job. How he helps run a gang. You made Senju tell you after the bad date guy disappeared. She didn’t want you to be scared you would quit. But you feel safe around Wakasa and also have. He has never made you uncomfortable. 

You also noticed over the weeks of working for the older male the feelings you get around him. Everything he does turns you on. At first you thought it was just because it's been awhile since you’ve slept with anyone but when he brought home a blonde girl with big tits you realized how jealous you were so you went to find someone to fuck the frustration out on thinking he could cure the want for your boss but the very next day when you saw him you felt that familiar heat. You started coming around in tighter clothes. Clothes that show off your tits and ass more. It’s nothing inappropriate. You wouldn’t show up here while Rini is here with anything on that might scar her for life. 

Wakasa has noticed the change in clothing. He would be lying if he said he didn’t like it. He loves the short skirts that just barely miss showing your ass when you bend down or the shirts that your tits almost pop out of when you cross your arms. Wakasa also noticed how you are with his daughter. It’s almost motherly how you act towards her. He can imagine you being her mom. He has on several nights while he fucked his fist. He knows the blonde girl he brought home pissed you off. He did it to piss you off. He wanted to know if his feelings were reciprocated. He didn’t fuck her. He just let you think he did. Don’t get him wrong though. He went out of his way to find women who looked similar to you to fuck because he thought he could get it out of his system. But he wants you. He wants you even when he is fucking some other girl. If Rini didn’t like you as much as she, does he would have fucked you by now, but he doesn’t want to possibly make the only mother figure she has ever had run away. If he wants to fuck you, he needs to do this the right way. He has to make sure you never leave him and Rini. He wouldn’t be able to stand seeing his little girl's heart broken. Rini has mentioned wanting to be a big sister recently and she’s also told Wakasa she wishes you were her mom.

Wakasa called and asked you to come over tonight. You thought it was weird since Rini is staying at a friend's house tonight. You told Senju and she joked that he is just trying to fuck you. You didn’t tell her how excited it made you to think about or that you'd like him. Getting ready you decide on a tight little black dress and heels. Once at Wakasa’s you knock on the door and wait for him. A moment passes before he opens the door. He is wearing all black as well. His shirt has several buttons undone and his sleeves are rolled up showing off his tattoos. He has all his hair pulled back showing off his earring. He moves out of the way to allow you to enter. Once walking in you notice he has all the lights off but has candles light everywhere and that the stove is on. “You’re cooking” you say and he nods, walking to the kitchen before coming back with two drinks and handing you one. You smile at him. 

After he finished cooking you two sat at the table. “You wear that to everyone fathers house you babysit for or am I just special?” You can feel your face warm. “I only babysit for you” he smirks at you as he leans over the table and gives you a kiss. It starts off sweet but he soon grabs the back of your head and deepens the kiss as he tilts your head. He is gripping your hair and pulling on it every once in a while. He swipes his tongue over your lips asking for entrance when you deny he harshly tugs on your hair causing you to yelp. 

Wakasa pulls away and walks over to you grabbing your hand as he walks you backwards to his bedroom. His lips find yours once again on the way. Your hands are around his neck. He starts to slide the straps of your dress down your arm as his hands roam your body, squeezing any flesh he can get his hands on. Wakasa sucks in a shaky breath when your dress hits the floor and sees you didn’t wear anything underneath. He smirks before biting his lip and pushing you down on his bed. He slowly starts to unbutton his shirt. He’s going slow on purpose. He can see the lush in your eyes. You whine at how long it is taking him to undress. Smirking he says “impatient are we?” His shirt finally hits the floor and he starts crawling on the bed over you, kissing up your body the whole way. When he reaches your lips he slowly kisses you as his hands slide across your body. Squeezing and tugging anywhere he can as he pulls pants and moans from you. He pulls away and slowly kissing down your body while his hands find your legs and slowly part them. 

When he reaches your thighs he is kissing, licking, and biting as his hand squeezes the other one. When he finally reaches your heat he drags his tongue up your slit as he groans and his eyes roll at the taste. He swears you’re the sweetest thing to ever grace his tongue. He could become addicted to your taste. He licks and sucks, making a mess of your cunt as he is rutting  his hips against the mattress. He can feel his cock leaking but is trying to ignore it. He is drunk on the taste of you. He continues to eat you like a man starved. He nips and sucks as you cum all over his tongue screaming his name and pulling at his hair. He doesn’t stop. He nips and sucks as he adds a finger, overstimulating you. He smiles against your cunt as your legs shake around his head and he sees your back arching off the bed as you push your perfect tits up giving him the best view. 

You’ve lost count of how many times he’s made you cum. He’s on his third finger now. You’ve at least finished once for each finger plus just his tongue, your panting. You feel dizzy. You swear you're going to pass out when he says “One more baby girl” as his fingers rub against that sport that makes you see stars. Your toes curl as you grip the sheets. Words are leaving your mouth but they don’t make sense. You’re just screaming his name and the words yes, and please. You don’t know what you’re begging for. For him to stop or to keep going. Everything is wet. The air is hot and you're trying to catch your breath. You feel him remove his fingers but soon feel something much larger pushing into you.

Wakasa groans, his eyes crossing as he feels your tight wet walls squeezing him. He knew you would be tight just from using his fingers but he didn’t think it would be tight. He stills for a moment trying not to cum before he starts a brutal pace. He tried to wait for you to adjust and give him the go ahead but he couldn’t. He can’t control himself around you. It’s your fault really. 

He wraps his hand around your throat and squeezes your hip as he increases the speed. All that can be heart is the sound of skin slapping skin, your moans and pants, and his sweet sweet praises. “Look at you baby, taking me so well. Your pussy was made for me baby. Was made to be fucked by me and only me.” He slams into you again while squeezing your throat. “Say it. Say how your pussy was made for my cock” “m-made for your c-cock” You stutter out as you grab his wrist and wrap your legs around him pulling him closer. “Damn right it is” He grunts out gritting his teeth as he starts to feel your walls tighten around him. “Best fucking pussy I’ve ever had” He says as he has you cumming for the nth time tonight. 

He looks down at you feeling nothing but love. He swears he fell in love at this moment. Your moans and pants are his favorite song. A song he hopes you grant him the privilege of listening to everyday. He wasn’t lying when he said you had the best pussy and it was made for him. He truly believes it. He watches you as he continues to fuck into you chasing his own high. He would have cummed by now but he wanted you to finish as many times as you could first so he could hear your pretty sounds. As he looks at you he thinks you’ve never looked prettier. Out of all the times he has seen you this is his favorit look on you by far, a fucked out dazed moaning and babbling  incoherent words all because of him. “Such a good girl. My good girl” he says as he shoves his fingers in your mouth for you to suck on. Moaning around them you don’t think you can take much more. 

Wakasa feels his balls tighten and begs to cum inside. “You’re so good with Rini. You’d be an amazing mother. Let me make you a real one. Please, (Y/N) let me make you a mommy.” He’s pleading with you. He has to make sure you stay around after fucking him and you aren’t going to run away. He wants to give Rini a baby brother or sister. He starts thinking about you all around and plump with his child. He groans he isn’t going to last. He thinks his heart stopped when you nod your head “Please Waka. make me a mommy. Fill me up” His eyes cross and he lets out a moan as he slams his lips into yours and fills you. It's warm and messy and he’s never been happier. He stays in you for several more minutes as he kisses you and plays with your hair. 

When he pulls out, he uses his finger to push anything leaking out. “Don’t waste it. Good girls don’t waste what daddy gifted them” he says as he starts to fuck you with his fingers. He is just making sure everything stays in. You start moaning again as his eyes meet yours. He grabs your hips and flips you over onto your stomach. He slaps your ass. “Ass up” he says as he pushes your head down. As soon as you're in position he is slamming into you again. You’re screaming into the pillow, and he slams into you over and over. “You can take it. I know you can” His name leaves your lips over and over. His finger finds you bundle of nerves as he starts to pinch and rub pulling another organism out of you. It isn’t long before he is filling you up again and again for the rest of the night. He needed to make sure it stuck. 

Ever since that night Wakasa has fucked you everytime you babysit. He leaves work early just to come home and take you on the counter or table. You don’t complain. He pays you good and fucks you good. He currently has you on the table lay as he eats you like your the first meal he has had in weeks. You're moaning and pulling his hair as he groans into you. “Give me another” He mumbles after you cum for the nth time. “C-can’t” you cry as you push him away. “Know you can baby.” he says as he sits up and pulls you onto his lap. “Ride baby” He undoes his pants and lines himself up. You lower yourself down and start bouncing. He pulls your shirt down to show off your perky tits and his mouth latches onto them. He  notices they're bigger and just smiles against you as he sucks. He feels his sock twicthing as your walls tighten. He fills you again just like he has been doing everyday for the past three weeks. 

Wakasa is over the moon when you come running into his house a few weeks later telling him you’re late. He takes you to get a test and you take it at his place. Passing back and forth as you wait. Rini has been asking everyday when she is going to be a big sister and when you will be her mommy. He plans on making her mommy. He just has to make sure the big sister part comes true first. He’s the first to run into the bathroom when the timer on his phone goes off. He comes running out of the bathroom and grabs you giving you a kiss and thank you over and over again for making him a daddy again. He swears he will never look at other women again. You’re everything he wants 

You guys decide to tell Rini a few weeks later. She is playing with her bunny in her room when you guys walk in with a gift for her. She opens it to see a smaller baby stuffed bunny. Looking at you confused, Wasaka says “You can give it to your baby brother or sister after they are born” She screams jumping up and hugging her dad and you as she yells thank you over and over again. Once she calms down she sits in front of you and looks at you both seriously. 

“So does this mean (N/N) is my new mommy now?”

[anomanlyarchives]

The Contract

A man was angrily stomping his heavy feet alongside the swimming pool, his undersized flip-flops regularly making a funny noise which somehow mitigated his intimidating appearance. He was, to say the least, huge. His body was swelling with muscles - strong, veiny arms, sculpted legs, and a couple of solid pecs protruding over a bulging musclegut. His face was not overly mature, but his big, although tidy, beard did make him look some sort of modern-day, fierce viking. However, just like his flip-flops, the tight briefs he was wearing did not seem to fit his frame entirely, largely exposing and highlighting his muscles.

As you may imagine, such a muscle beast did not go unnoticed. Everyone who was chilling by the pool couldn't help but stare at him, either attracted by him, jealous of him or simply despising his evident thirst for attention. What they didn't know, however, was that he was all but happy for all the stares he was receiving. Despite his striking appearance, he was trying so hard to ignore every single person who was looking at him, progressively walking faster.

The muscle beast finally stopped, menacingly towering over a group of young men around their early twenties. His eyes were locked on who seemed to be the boss of the little group, who had followed the big man's movements with a grin depicted on his face the entire time.

"What's with that look, sir? Something's wrong?", the young one asked. His group was giggling and whispering, not trying too hard to hide their comments about how ridiculous the man looked in his undersized swimming gear.

"We need to talk."

More giggling and whispering. The young boss defiantly looked at him for a few seconds before getting up with a sigh. "I'll be right back", he announced.

The man and the lad headed towards a quiet place, not so far from the pool. The big man looked around to make sure nobody could hear them. He was looking at the young one with a furious expression. "Seriously, man? I was with my family when I started changing! It's not fair!"

The younger one didn't seem to mind the scolding that much. Actually, even though the huge man was towering over him with a ferocious attitude, he didn't even seem to be bothered in the slightest. "Not fair? You signed a contract, kid". As he said so, a sheet of paper materialised in his hand.

"I know! But I'm fed up with your old body and your life. You said you'd only take my body for a couple hours at most, and you'd make sure I didn't need it to-"

"I don't remember saying that."

"You're a liar, you did!", the big man whined back, his deep, manly voice distorted into an unfitting lament.

The lad smirked and quickly read what was written on the sheet. "Even if I did, what's important is what's written on the contract you signed. And there's no mention about any kind of limitation for the swap. Ergo, I can take your body whenever I want. I couldn't give a fuck if your little family sees you transforming into a beast of a man."

The older man's face turned red in anger. "That's not what you said! You little-" he violently grabbed his former body, just to be repelled by a burning sensation.

A glimpse of malice flashed in the wizard's eyes, and his now young, attractive smile cracked. "Don't you dare to touch me, kid. I make the rules, and I can change them whenever I want." He was getting dangerously close to the stud, pushing him back towards the wall. They were facing one another, and their noses were mere inches apart. It was quite a paradoxical situation, as the much smaller, apparently armless kid was fiercely towering over that brawny beast of a man. "I could also decide to keep your body forever, and you could do nothing to stop me. Got it?"

The man gulped, and the young one seemed to enjoy it, as an amused smirk came back to his face. "Your friends seem to enjoy my personality more, too. They're wondering why you got so funny all of a sudden, you know? Besides", he ran his hand over the man's bulging abs, "everyone would like to be in your shoes right now. I know, maybe a little... too much. But, for a gay fellow like you, such a body is a blessing."

"H-how do you...", The stud stuttered.

"I'm not an idiot, kid. I could see it from the way you looked at me". The young guy suddenly grabbed the man's crotch. In response, the hunk startled, trying to hide his pleasure. It was no use: his dick was already fattening up, and his tight briefs left nothing to imagination.

"Bu-but... "

"No buts, kid", the wizard whispered in a seducing tone. "I know being older is boring and sucks, but... try to make good use of it, as long as you're in that enviable body. Look at you. You're a sexy, strong daddy. You can do whatever you want. You're free now, and with a spectacular body." The older man gulped as the wizard let him free and stepped back. "Now, go."

The muscular giant moved, heading back to the swimming pool. Before disappearing, he stopped and turned back towards his former body. "When will I have my body back?"

The wizard shrugged. "Erm... I'll need it until tonight, at least. And maybe tomorrow, too. I don't know if the guys are planning something for the next few days. Don't worry though, I'll give it back to you as your holiday ends."

The bulky stud hesitated for a few seconds. He then grunted and clumsily moved on, his undersized briefs hardly hiding his thick boner, and his large feet crushing his unfitting flip-flops.

"...if I feel like it", the wizard added in a whisper, a wide sneer on his face.

[namelesssfreak]

Jeremy Knox Theory

Made by an only child but I'm autistic and hyperfixating rn so hear me out (i also tried to cut down words this still ended up being over 2200)

Unpacking Quotes

'Jeremy made it over for dinner every night that week, apparently uninvited from the family table over the state of his hair. He laughed it off when he explained it, but Jean saw the shadows in his eyes and the dark look Cat and Laila exchanged as soon as Jeremy turned his back.'

Honestly, I like the theories that his family don't like the hair cause it makes Jeremy look more like either his dad or the unnamed brother, but the homophobia ones also make sense

Also whatever the reason was, Cat and Laila know it

'Jean knew nothing about cars, despite technically owning one, but he knew money when he saw it.'

'Cat looked weary as she pocketed it, though she had given up protesting his so-called charity a year ago. It wasn't about the money, so he didn't take it personally. Cat was more concerned with how many hoops it took him to pull it together when he was permenantly on his stepfather's bad side.'

"The right therapist can be legit life changing - just look at Jeremy for proof." She jerked a thumb over at Jeremy, who didn't look at all concerned to be snitched on. "I'd say you should ask for her number since we all know she's good, but I don't think any of us can afford her."

So Cat worries about Jeremy getting money from his stepfather, and it's completely plausible that his stepfather paid for therapy because of family image, but Jeremy having an expensive car makes me wonder how recent the struggle to get money is, like if he was on good terms with his stepfather at one point and that was when he got the car

"I wasn't born a Trojan, right? My high school team was just like every other school out there. So competitive, so much bad-mouthing, so many put-downs. And it was just...exhausting, playing like that. All that pressure on one side and all that antagonism on the other." He clapped his hands together as if crushing his past self between the two.'

Surely alluding to Jeremy being not the best person in high school, or anger issues Jeremy

"Jeremy has- three. One sister, two brothers. The older brother's an absolute tool, but there's bound to be a jerk or two once you pass four kids." Jean idly wondered what she'd changed at the last minute and why, but he watched her nervously push her fries around her plate and decided not to ask.'

On this, I think Jeremy only has the three siblings (Bryson, Annalise, and unnamed). I've seen people theories that there's more than three because of her pause, and the line about passing 4 kids, but right before that Cat mentions that she has 6 siblings, so I think it's slightly a nod to that, and her trying to change the subject into more light hearted she hesitated before saying 3 so that Jean doesn't pick up on or doesn't dwell on it. And I like to think she hesitated before saying 2, because I love the dead brother theory, and it seems the most likely to me. Cat could've said 3 instead of 2 either because she doesn't think Jeremy has told Jean yet or she knows he hasn't.

"What's Grandpa think of this investment of yours?" It was obvious bait, but that couldn't keep the edge out of Jeremy's fierce, "He is not our grandfather."

I reckon the investment is probably Jean or all of the Trojans, but I digress. I feel like Jeremy using "our" makes me think that even if his grandfather is homophobic, that's not the main issue Jeremy has with him, cause it seems like there's reason that Jeremy doesn't want his siblings (or at least him and Annalise) to be related to him (me when I struggle to put thoughts into words) TLDR I'm wondering if it's something worse than just homophobia to warrant the use of "our" and not my.

'His phone chimed, and Jeremy looked down to see William’s name on his phone. "Bryson is in the sitting room with Mr Wilshire."

'He could hear voices echoing down the corridor where his stepfather and older brother were having an animated discussion, so he settled for a grateful smile in William's direction before hurrying up the stairs.'

I'm assuming from this that Bryson and Mr Wilshire are on good terms

"Like Wayne did." Jean considered that. "Maybe he will also kill himself." "That isn't a joke," Jeremy said, with unexpected ferocity. Cat winced but kept her eyes on Jean.'

If Jeremy does end up having a homophobic family then it's completely plausible that he may have attempted, but I'm also just a sucker for the dead brother theories

"We can call the police." "I'll send Jeremy away first." Rhemann said, like that would somehow win Jean over.'

Rhemann could have said this to Jean because he thought less people would make Jean more comfortable, but Jeremy was already waiting outside, so maybe he said it because he was under the impression that Jeremy had already told Jean about what happened his freshman year or at least why he doesn't like police officers, and if that's the case then it also means Rhemann and at a stretch the rest of the team (?) knows about it too, and this is not at all important but it's something I noticed

[About Annalise] 'He'd walked through a hundred hypothetical arguments with his therapist in preparation for the day he finally fought back, but every time the chance came, he watched it slip past in miserable silence.'

So whatever happened, between Jeremy and his family, is something that he could hypothetically argue his case for, if he's able to make arguments he could use against Annalise, then it's gotta mean he's not entirely at fault for whatever happened

'The receipt went into the zippered back of his wallet so he could file it later; it was always best to have a paper trail when dealing with his mother's bookkeeper.'

Okay stay with me but adding to the thing of Jeremy possibly not being the nicest person in high school, maybe his mother and stepfather have limits on his money because he spent really irresponsibly in high school?

'His family had its problems - all families did, he supposed - but never in his life had his mother raised a hand at her rowdy children. He couldn't fathom being struck by a parent.'

I feel like this gives us a hint on when his parent's divorce/mother's remarriage took place, seeing as Jean specified his father when talking about the scars, it's odd that Jeremy focused only on his mother in the above quote. Could mean that the divorce was from early in his life, and custody went to his mother, so he didn't see his father much?

"I've never been to Europe. Dad's been stationed there a couple times, but..." He shrugged and didn't bother to elaborate.'

Maybe his not bothering to elaborate is because he doesn't know much else about his father?

My full theory because it's clawing at the corners of my mind to be put into words:

So I'm assuming that his parents splitting up happened in early years, probably after Jeremy and all his siblings were born since I don't think any of them are half/step siblings but early enough that Jeremy doesn't have many memories of him. A bit of grasping at straws but this line, "I've never been to Europe. Dad's been stationed there a couple times, but..." He shrugged and didn't bother to elaborate.' if his dad is part of the army could mean that Jeremy doesn't see the man a lot. I've kinda got two running theories so branching off into those

Theory One:

We've got Jeremy and his three siblings being raised by his mother, because his father is unable to take any custody (due to travelling and being in the army, or for other reasons), which could in itself put some strain on the family with his mother having to raise all 4 kids herself. And then later on in high school Jeremy and his unnamed brother both want to go to a good uni where they can play exy (whether that's USC or not) and their high school team have a really important game at the end of the year that a lot of universities are visiting (this is me making a big leap on how close in age these two are) Depending on how much money Jeremy and his family have pre his stepfather entering the picture, the two of them could have been hoping to be signed with a college team (if I've not worded that right I'm so sorry I'm not American and don't play sports)

And at this game, Jeremy ends up playing really well, but it's at the expense of his brother's playing, so like Jeremy gets all his time to shine but his brother maybe not so much, and he decides to completely blame Jeremy for that which ends in a fight. In this fight, Jeremy's brother ends up getting really injured, like worse than Kevin, like to the point of being unable to play exy anymore. When his mother and new stepfather find out, they decide to completely cover the whole thing up and not tell Annalise and Bryson, part of which involves paying for Jeremy to go to USC for some reason (I can't be bothered to work out the logistics of). Which all works well and good, until Jeremy's brother takes his life because of not knowing what to do with himself after losing his biggest passion (this makes sense I promise codependency on exy is borderline a key theme in these books) and their mother and stepfather dig even more of a hole by covering that up and calling what happened an accident ("There's been an accident," he said, and grimaced like it wasn't at all the word he wanted to use.) and no one suspects anything until Jeremy's freshman year at USC, where he's perhaps not the best at getting on with his new teammates (probably particular the 5th years), still getting used to going from his high school team to the one at USC, also potentially homophobia (Nicky core) but they don't really have any acceptable reason to actually start anything with him, so one of them who had connections with the police (related or something) found out from them about the thing with the brother that had been covered up (He had half a mind to cut through the park, but the sigh of cops lounging at the nearer entrance had him sticking to the sidewalk along Exposition. There was little to no chance he'd know them, and no reason they'd recognize him, but Jeremy kept his gaze forward and his mouth shut until they were past.)

And decided to bring it up at the fall banquet, which caused it to get out and it was mainly contained between the USC team, but the whole team ended up finding out, and also Annalise and Bryson, who don't forgive him for it ("Overdue for a new scandal, hm?" She asked. "End the way you started?") (Once upon a time she'd gone to all his high school games, but once upon a time was before the fall banquet that broke their family in half. She'd gone out of her way to forget exy since then, and she'd never forgiven him for sticking with it.) ("Careful," Annalise warned him as she rummaged for her keys. "You already destroyed the family. Don't destroy my future, too.")

Theory Two:

My other theory surrounding Jeremy's childhood is that either 1 or 2 of his siblings went to live with his dad when their parents split up (their unnamed brother and either Annalise or Bryson) and I don't think that would have necessarily affected their relationship (with Annalise still going to his exy games, though the Bryson being homophobic theory isn't one I'm ruling out yet) Then Jeremy and his unnamed brother both wanted to get into either USC or a good university that they could play exy at, which makes sense if the unnamed brother was living with their dad he could have been hoping to get in to university through playing exy, while Jeremy had the option of his stepfather paying for him. Also potentially the two of them are still in contact but just going to different schools, and are on separate teams for a match between their schools at the end of the year that a lot of universities are attending, that Jeremy's team ends up winning, and then either this follows the same route as the first theory, or the brother gets into another university, and he and Jeremy get into their fight at the fall banquet of Jeremy's freshman year.

I could probably organise this slightly better and might come in and edit this when my copy of tsc gets here in a few days, but heres the random thoughts my brain spat out for now

[genyawritesshizz]

A Hum of Time. Toshinori Yagi x Reader

Part 5

Summary: An innocent relationship between two workaholics could not possibly be that eventful. Just two individuals finding comfort within each other's company and the occasional cup of coffee. What happens when a secret that could ruin both of their careers brings the whole thing crashing down? In a heart wrenching decision, you must do what is best for all three of you and brave the future alone. Will you ever tell the truth? You might not have a choice.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

8081-word count

It's happier I promise :)

It has been six years since the incident. Any blog or post related to you had long ago been swept away into the ever-changing sea of media, buried far below, never to resurface. The name Siren was long forgotten.

Following being discharged after over two months of recovery you had changed your names and moved to the opposing coast. The opportunity for another fresh start alighted new found hope for the future. The saved money from your time as a hero and life insurance payout David had carefully pulled allowed the two of you the luxury of ease and into a mundane title of stay at home mom. 

Despite everything that happened, every sacrifice made, and every sleepless night it was all well worth their price at being present to watch your boy grow. You loved him more than you had ever thought possible. A mother’s love is a force of nature, boundless and unconditional. 

Even if he could be a pain at times. 

Admittedly handling a four-year-old who’s temper tantrums could burst your eardrums had been one of your toughest battles. Thankful that he had inherited something of yours but also woeful for both yourself and the neighbors; He had manifested your vocal quirk.

After many replaced windows, pitiable apologize, and endless pep talks he had finally learned to somewhat control it. With his quirk and gaining of maturity came questions. He could faintly remember you as a hero all those years ago, fortunately however not much. Just that you wore an ‘awesome’ costume and got hurt. 

You never told him the truth. Instead opting to lie whenever his bubbling curiosity peaked. Stating that back in the day you were simply a sidekick to some one off low tier hero. Nothing special. Just scratching the surface of heroism, that you had thrown in the towel after getting hurt all those years ago. 

Not a complete lie. 

Yet far from the whole truth. 

This still fascinated him. 

Late at night as you tucked the restless child to bed, he would beg for stories, pictures, anything from back then. Occasionally after seemingly endless hours of impetration you’d buckle to his demands, telling a watered down tale of the past. Even as you regaled the simplest of petty robberies, he looked to you like you had hung the stars in the night sky, as if you were the reason that rain fell. Big blue fascinated eyes with a wide smile filled with astonishment chanted your praises in complete and utter admiration.

“Momma is the coolest!” “Momma is the best hero!” “Momma is my hero!”

‘Momma is my hero.’

Oh, how your heart melted at his words. The giddy childlike wonder pushed any nightmarish trauma to the back recesses of your mind. Though, that did not mean it disappeared. 

Haunting memories of the past always found a way to resurface.

As he grew older, near the age of six, he discovered how to use the home computer. Spending hours watching videos online of other heroes, it was only a matter of time until he inevitably stumbled upon a video of All Might. Despite your parental controls blocking the tag. Where there's a will there's a way, this kid was stubborn. Since the discovery he could not stop watching, completely enamored. The daunting words “I am here” blaring from the computer's speakers echoed with your son's delightful laughter bounced off the walls of your shared home.

Over and over. 

Taunting. 

Mocking. 

It stung the deepest depths of your faulty heart to hear his voice day in and day out. 

To watch your son fall in love with a man who too used to hold your heart… 

Yet you did not have the heart nor the courage to demand he turn it off.

A particular moment replayed in your mind.

You had just come home from a quick trip to the market. Nearing the age of elven you entrusted him to stay home alone for short periods of time especially when, if provoked, he could scream loud enough for anyone clear across the city to hear. Yet when he did not meet you at the door or answer your call your stomach dropped. As you began to call for him again your words suctioned themselves to the back of your throat. A cold sweat of fear beaded on your brow. 

The bathroom door was open, the light on, and a shadow moved from the door frame. The figure almost too tall to be completely seen. The shape of it alone made you shiver. 

Two long strands of hair sticking up in an iconic V shape shadowed onto the hallway wall.

“All Might?” your voice quivered, graveled and raw. Foreboding dread balled into a tight knot threatening to suck you into dissociation, as if at any moment you would melt into the floor. Slowly wobbly legs moved, approaching just enough to allow a peak over in. 

“That is right! FOR I AM HERE!” Your son stood atop of the bathroom counter, his fist raised and a triumphant snaggle toothed smile stretched across red blushing cheeks. A bottle of hair gel spilled out on the counter and an old relic of the past wrapped around his shoulders. The overhead light casted a deceiving shadow. 

“I…” Trailing off a wide range of emotions spanning from solace to fear hinted disappointment flooded all at once. Eyes watered, yet never spilled over. The breath you held deflated.

“Don’t I look cool mom?! I look just like him! I look just like All Might!” He beamed. Turning back to the mirror to flex his small arms, striking another one of All Might's signature poses. “I can’t believe you have this! Is this really his?” His hands gripped at the fabric of the cape. The material swallowed him completely, flowing from his tiny shoulders to the floor. You had not seen it in years, not since the move. 

“You...” Swallowing the lump in your throat and blinking away unshed tears, you approached. Standing behind him, your heart pounded against your chest, ragged and unsteady beats. Struggling to find words, mouth opening and closing yet no sound escaped. Voice cutting out, crackling into a depressing croak. 

An everlasting symptom of that treacherous day reared its head once more. When overly emotional or speaking for too long strain on the scarred vocal cords caused them to lock up, trapping words within. Akeno’s brows furrowed, joy faltering.

“Momma?”  Seeing his shifting mood sour hands quickly adjusted, signing in boisterous movements

 ‘You look so totally awesome, Akeno!’ His eyes stared at the signs reflected in the mirror before going wide with exhilaration, smile returning brighter than before. In one swoop your arms wrapped around his tiny waist in a tight hug. The little boy giggled in delight. With what little strength you retained you held him off of the counter, flying him around the air. Despite the burn of strain inside your abdomen and the sting within your decaying forearm muscles; you could not help but laugh with him. 

After laying him to bed for the night you quickly checked under your bed for a certain set of boxes. Thankfully only one had been disturbed. Looking inside the now empty package you could still smell a faint hint of Toshinori’s cologne stained into the cardboard. 

You did not have the heart to throw nor give away his cape once realizing it had accidentally been packed in your hasty retreat. The tears you had wiped away earlier returned, unabashedly spilling as stifled nostalgic memories resurfaced. 

“Sorry I’m late dear. You know how it is.” Shuffled footsteps trudged through a darkened bedroom. Flipping over your met with the silhouetted figure of Toshinori, thinned fingers unclasping his cape before, In vain reaching for the zipper. Losing it in the folds of loose fabric. A small chuckle roused from your drowsy form.

“Here, let me get it.” Moving to the edge of your shared bed he turned, allowing you to unzip and undress the hefty costume from his thinning frame. Warm hands roamed the now exposed skin of his back, massaging the taught muscles beneath. Letting an exasperated groan his stiffened shoulder relaxed under nimble fingers.

“Thank you.” Humming in response digits curved upward, smoothing over protruding bones of his ribs, noting his subtle weight loss. Leaning forward to rest your forehead into the center of his back, the delectable scent of cologne still lingered on sweat slicked skin. If you had an ounce more of energy you’d fuss for him to shower, however as he turned to face you, and a hand delicately held your face within its palm all thoughts of reprimanding faded. His calloused thumb stroked at your cheek. 

“Let’s go to bed.” 

Together the two lovers laid within each other's arms.

‘ Maybe, 

maybe I should tell him that I’m- No. 

This… this was the only way. 

It was the right choice. For both of them.’ 

Yearning for something that could never be again you stuffed the thoughts away, curling into yourself alone atop frigid sheets the phrase repeating itself.

‘This was the right choice.’

Yet it offered no reassurance.

You lied once more when your son awoke. Telling him that the cape unfortunately was not actually one of All Might’s. Instead, it was a surprise birthday gift you had bought him from a local shop. That he could keep playing with it if he was good. A bit disappointed that it was not real, Akeno still loved it, promising to be on his best behavior. He even slept with it like a blanket. Never questioning the fact that his birthday was over four months away. 

Now nearing the age of fifteen Akeno had blossomed into such a handsome young man. Though, the older he became the more of him appeared. From the moment he was born with an almost translucent tuft of blonde hair you knew he would lean towards resembling his father. However, as he aged, face thinning over prominent cheekbones and jawline defining; he became the spitting image of Toshinori. A deep void of melancholy, yet also strangely a bit of pride surfaced at this realization.

As the years passed it was clear, he had chosen his path.

Just as his father and you had chosen, your child too dreamed of becoming a hero. 

It scared you. 

Terrified you even. 

You were not the first nor would you be the last to be ‘killed’ in action. He saw the scars. How your voice crackled into stained tones, disappearing into nothingness. The endless hours of futile rehabilitation therapy. The way your body thinned from lack of fully functioning organs. 

He saw the possible dangers, yet still dreamed of it.

And if this is what he truly wanted you would support him no matter what. 

‘It’s what good mothers do.’  

So, when on the verge of graduating middle school, and he came to you with a flyer from an all too familiar school you had to swallow your fear and agree to let him at least try. 

“I like this kid's style. Just like me when I was that age!” Present Mic gushed, watching as this year's group of contestants fought through the first wave of robotic opponents. Only five minutes into the entrance exam and already Akeno had hit the ground running. Screeching his way through metallic foes in hopes of scoring enough points, he had already landed himself on the leaderboard.

All Might watched from his swivel chair, remaining silent, focused on his own protege. His new coworkers banter lost on inattentive ears. 

“Looks like Mic’s got a favorite already.” Midnight laughed, her hands held up and over her head as she too watched. “He’s doing well so far, may even have a shot at passing. Though not sure any of us could handle two screaming blondes.” Now this snagged a bit of the symbol's attention. 

His eyes flitted away from Midoriya’s screen, glancing to the other. Watching with bated interest until a small spark of familiarity struck within him. 

‘Odd.’ He could not quite put his finger on it nor shake the sensation. ‘Have we met before? Perhaps on the train or maybe at a grocery store?’ No no, it was not that. If not that then where? What was it about this boy that stuck out to him?

Maybe it was the vibrant blond hair? It was not an uncommon thing, in fact some of the other contestants had wildly outlandish colored hair. Had he saved him before? Had he met him at a meet and greet?

He would have to ponder this another time. For now, his main concern was Midoriya’s lack of points. Retreating to refocus on his successor the test continued. 

In the end your son had placed fairly high on the exam, landing him a guaranteed spot at UA. The decision was final.

You are going back to Japan. 

“I’m not a child anymore mom.” 

“I know I know, you're a perfectly capable young man. But I'm not about to let you move across the world by yourself.” Finished packing the last of your boxes, now awaiting for the international movers to arrive. Akeno leaned against the doorframe. “Besides, you’ll be living in student housing, so you’ll have plenty of alone time.” Turning to the disgruntled boy and bringing a hand up, you ruffled the top of his head. “But remember, I’ll always be just a short drive away!”

He sighed in defeat, eyes turned away from your hopeful smile. It’s not that he did not want you there, but that he needed to be sure his boundaries were set. He needed space to grow.  

The entire flight you could not help but fidget with the hemline of your sleeved shirt. It’s been fifteen years since you’ve been back… 

Would people recognize you? 

You were in a different neighborhood, far away from your old house and even farther than the shared apartment. Yet Japan was only so big, hence the move in the first place, but surely after so long you would have nothing to worry about. Last time you were here you were in your mid twenties, now you are on the doorstep of fifty. With patches of gray, new wrinkles, more than a few scars, and gaunt thinning your appearance had become almost unrecognizable. But wha-

“Are you excited to be back?” Akeno had noticed your nervous movements, nothing lost to such attentive eyes. Taking out one of his headphones he turned to you. “I know it’s been a while.”

“Yes of course I am.” reaching a hand over, you placed it over his atop the armrest, squeezing the larger palm. 

“Care if I listen too?” You could hear the cello thump as the beginning of Madame Butterfly chimed through his headphones. He smiled back, even if he could sense the unwavering unease and the blatant fake smile, he said nothing, handing over the removed bud. 

The two of you hummed quietly to music until the moon overtook the sun. His head lolled down atop your shoulder as sleep overtook him.

No matter how old he got or how grown up he was he would always be your sweet boy. 

“There, this should last you the week.” Packing the last of the homemade bento boxes into the fridge you had made sure to wrap each one in your signature bunny eared bow. A significant downscale compared to your usual outlandishly adorable packaging. “I made your favorite.”

“You do know that they have a cafeteria, right?” Scoffing at Akeno’s remark and standing from bent within the refrigerator your eyes steeled.

“Oh, so you don’t like your mothers cooking anymore huh? Guess I’ll have to eat this all myself.” Reaching back, you began taking the packages out. 

“NO! Please! I was kidding! I love your cooking mom. Please leave it.” Panicked eyes widened and a bottom lip quivered in a desperate plea. A hardy laugh pushed through teasingly smirked lips. 

“I suppose I’ll let you keep it.”

“Thank you!” Your son's voice returned to its natural cheery tone. Though higher in pitch, alighted with excitement. “Mom there’s something I have to tell you” 

Your eyebrows rouse, quickly leave the small kitchenette to join him on the couch. His eyes locked onto yours, swimming with childlike admiration.

“All Might is going to be one of my teachers!” He beamed a wide toothy grin, almost a mirror of the aforementioned hero. You mentally felt yourself deflate like a popped balloon, exhaling as if all the wind had been knocked free. “ Isn’t that awesome?! ” He let out a boisterous laugh. 

The smile, the laugh, the hair and those big blue eyes. He truly was the spitting image of that man. You felt weak, hands wet and clammy, stomach turning with queasiness, heart thumping against your chest.

“Mom? Are you okay?” Snapping out of your daze you quickly put on a brave face once again, taking a deep breath and nodding. 

“Of course I am! I’m so happy for you ho-'' Your voice chipped and shattered, becoming a harsh croak. Moving to sign the remaining. ‘I am very happy for you! Tell the big man I said hi!’ His eyes tracked each symbol, smile never faltering, used to the use of sign language throughout the years he rejoiced at your admiration with a laugh. Joining him in his laughter, even though yours was nothing more than rushed air and out of nervousness. 

“I’m finally going to meet him!” 

Today was the day. Akeno's first day of school. Though you weren't there to see him off you made sure to send him a lengthy text of encouragement.

Mom: Have an amazing first day of school my baby! High school is a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and countless opportunities. Please remember no matter what happens I’ll always be here for you! Remember to be yourself and have fun! Send me pictures in uniform!

In response all he had sent back was a thumbs up.

All Might stood behind a corner of a building, watching the first year students endure Mr. Aizawa’s quirk assessment test. Again, fearing for young Midoriya, he knew the boy had little to know control of the quirk he had bestowed upon him. Yet he remained hopeful.

What he had not expected was to find himself staring at another boy from the class. 

It was the screeching kid that Mic and Midnight made comments about during the entrance exam that once again nagged at his curiosity.  He felt something indescribable when looking at the boy. The familiar feeling from before returned with a vengeance. Scrambling through hazed memories, he again tried to place the boy within the vast archive. 

“Akeno, it’s your turn.” Aizawa instructed the class to throw the ball as far as they could using their quirks. Simple enough, several other students had already gone, one even managed to score an infinite. Picking it up, Akeno wound his arm back and launched it. Quite average in all sense of the word, yet midair at its peak his mouth opened, and the sheer wind power behind his yell propelled the ball soaring through the air; Higher and higher until the sound waves could no longer carry it. 

‘Oh’…

A shiver ran cold down his wide muscular back. The pitch entered his ears yet sank like a rock in his stomach. 

‘Just like her.’

God Damit he could not do this right now. 

These ridiculous thoughts brought him nothing but heartache and were quickly shoved into the overflowing filing cabinets inside his mind. Hopefully lost within the jumbled mess forever. It had taken the better half of three years to finally put a lid on the pandora's box that once was you. To backslide now was out of the question. 

Rationalize.

Quickly erasing the correlation from his mind with the same cold hard truth he had to continually tell himself anytime a memory of you resurfaced; You were dead . 

‘Vocal quirks are not a rare occurrence. This boy was not you. In fact, he looks more like…OH! Stop it Toshinori’ He mentally slapped himself. ‘Focus.’

It was Izuku’s turn to throw the ball. A perfect distraction and an opportunity for his ludicrous mind to get a grip. 

Amazed by his pupils' success, the threat of his psyche collapsing was stabilized.

Lunch time had finally arrived, overworked and exhausted from their first half of the day each kid flooded the bustling halls. The first week finally reaching its midpoint.

“Can I sit with you guys?” Akeno stood before the trio, bento box in hand, admittedly he was a bit bashful at the thought of his classmates seeing the cutesy bow tied cloth covering yet his need for socializing trumped all. 

“Yeah, for sure!”

“Absolutely!” Midoriya and Ururaka ever the kind and social souls smiled, scooting over to allow him to sit. Iida smiled and greeted his classmate from across the table. 

The group made small talk, the main three discussing the woes of upcoming exams and the prompts of Mr. Present Mics writing assignments. Proclaiming that it was far too early to be assigning such tasks. Being the kind soul Akeno had grown into, he offered his assistance with the English class. Seeing as he was exempt from taking it due to already being fluent. 

“Oh yeah, I almost forgot that you are an exchange student, your Japanese is almost perfect!” Uraraka proclaimed, eyes gleaming with curiosity. 

“Yeah! For only living here for less than a month, your Japanese is amazing. I can barely even hear an ascent!” Izuku added, praising his friend. Questions of the states filled his mind. His mentor had made his debut in America, based all of his costumes and merchandise around their flag and even named all of his moves after its states. He too dreamed of one day traveling and experiencing its wonders. Storing his curiosity, he made a mental note to ask later.

“Well, my mom is originally from Japan. She’s been teaching me Japanese since I first started talking. It’s like second nature.” Akeno chuckled, a shy hand brushing down the spiky blond tips on his neck. Refocused on the topic of travel the group buzzed with excitement. 

However as soon as Akeno unwrapped the ribbon and unboxed his bento the conversation steered in a much different direction. A mouth watering scent filled the surrounding area.

“That's so cute! Did you make it yourself? It smells so good! How did you get the fruit into such perfect stars?” Uraraka gushed at the culinary work of art that was her new friend's lunch. Even the grandeur that was offered via the cafeteria paled in comparison, nothing could beat a mother's love.

Again, you had toned down the cuteness of his lunches considerably since he was a child. However, that did not stop you from arranging it with as much passion as you could. It was simple, yet had protein, light carbs, healthy sugars and lots of veggies! 

Akeno felt his cheeks redden. Not that he was ashamed, he was grateful to have a mother so caring however he’s a grown man now! And grown men don’t need bows or ribbons or star shaped fruit.

“My mom made it for me.” He mumbled, shying away from their surely scrutinizing gaze, they’ll think he's a sniffling little ‘mommas' boy.’

“Truly moving to see such a loving display!” Iida’s chest swelled with pride for his fellow classmate. 

“Maybe your mom could make me one of those!” Uraraka laughed along with Midoriya

“She’s right, it does look amazing!” He agreed. Shocked, Akeno took note of his new friend's approval. He may have to ask a favor of you later. 

 Akeno loved each day of class, he thrived and excelled. His passion growing stronger yet. With the announcement of the UA sports festival on the horizon he readied himself to go beyond, ‘ plus ultra ’ as his idle, now teacher, would say. As the bell rang and Mr. Aizawa dismissed the class, he gathered his belongings and waited for his friend.

Himself, Iida, Uraraka, and Izuku had grown quite close. Always sticking together when it came to field exercises, study sessions and relaxing at lunch. Your son always came home boasting about how amazing each and every one of his friends were. It brought your motherly heart such joy to see him thriving. 

As the halls emptied due to the final bell chiming the group chatted in a more serious tone. Uraraka had confessed that she wanted to be a hero for profit. Initially seeming slightly selfish, as she delved deeper into the reasoning the notion was rectified. Quickly reassuring her that she was noble for wanting to help her family, the group divulged their own causes. 

“What about you Akeno, why do you want to be a hero?” Midoriya asked, curious as ever.

“My mom was almost killed by a villain; she was a hero too. I don’t remember much since I was just a little kid, but I know the pain she went through. The years of suffering she had to endure. It’s my life mission to never allow something like that to happen to anyone else!” The young man wore a face of pure determination, his chest swelled with righteousness and a smile stretched across his face. 

“That’s an amazing reason Akeno!” Uraraka beamed, her cheeks swelled with pink, and eyes shined with admiration.

“Truly an exceptional motive, you have my commendation!” Iida bowed, truly inspired. Proud to be the class representative of such a dedicated and selfless individual. Izuku simply stared as the blond laughed and kicked out a thumbs up. Green eyes widening at the action. 

“When you do that face you kind of look like All Might!” Uraraka chuckled, taking the words straight from Izuku’s imagination. Inside her mind images of the two blondes striking various poses together managed to tint her cheeks darker. ‘So cute!’

“She’s right! Could’ve fooled me” Midoriya laughed, though a hint of nervousness laced the chuckle. The more he looked at his friend the more he could see his mentor in him. A flitting image sparked in his mind, though was overshadowed. ‘Strange.’

Akeno simply laughed with them, happy to be compared to his idol.

“Today we will be practicing search and rescue to prepare you for your visit to the USJ simulation. Just the basics as we’ve discussed over the week.” The under enthused tone of Mr. Aizawa droned to the antsy group of young heroes before him. Laid out before them was a near perfect replica of Jaku City. However, the once proud standing skyscraper lay in disarray. Debris and rubble littered the streets. “Scattered around the city you will find several victims; your goal is to safely remove them from the situation without traumatizing them.” shooting a glare toward his most bain student the simulation commenced.

Racing into the disaster the trainees began implementing their teachings. All without a hitch until a young boy was discovered. Screaming and flailing away from any physical contact he laid inconsolable.

“Hey little guy, it's okay. Everything will be fine, com-” As Deku attempted to approach he again cried out slinking away as a gloved hand reached for him.

“I don’t know what's wrong, he won't respond to anything we say.” Confused and afraid of failing, Momo began to panic. Running to the group, Akeno assessed the situation. 

While inspecting the child from a distance his eyes landed on his hands. Small nubbed pointer fingers extended and repeatedly jabbed together. Recognition flashed through his mind. Crouching before the boy, making no attempt to touch him, he waved. Red puffy eyes looked at him and again fingers jabbed together. Akeno’s gloved hand raised, his pointer finger zig zagged in the air and replicated the child’s jabbing motion, ‘where does it hurt?’ Recognizing the signs the boy pointed to his leg. With one palm flat and the other in a thumbs up position atop it Akeno moved it towards the child, ‘let me help you.’ Sucking up his sniffles the child nodded,  arms extended out, allowing the hero to pick him up. 

His fellow classmates watched in confused awe.

“What was that?” Ururaka inquired as the bell chimed, signaling the end of the simulation.

“He was signing ‘pain’. I just asked him where he was hurt and that I wanted to help him.” 

“You know sign language too?” 

“Ha yeah, another thing my mom taught me.” 

The young man had a surprise for his friends. 

You had agreed to make them lunch! How could you resist such an offer?

‘It's what a good mom would do.’  

Though it came at a cost. Defiantly holding the bundle of boxes above your head your face held determination.

“If you want it, make me give it to you.”

“Mom! You know I'm not good at this”

“Only way you're going to get better is if you practice, ya know it took me years to perfect it!” You countered, if he had inherited your quirk, it was almost for certain he too could use ‘the command’. Just had to concentrate. Besides, if he truly did not want to try, he towered over you, making it easy to simply take it. 

Staring at the bag he focused, breathing in deeply his first attempt a near whisper. 

“Did you even activate your quirk? Try again.” 

“ Hand me the bag .” Loud sound waves nearly had you dropping it, not out of command but from sheer force pummeling your ear canal as he screamed it.

“Nuh uh, that's cheating. Look at me, focus. Take in the surroundings, feel the air move through your vocal cords, find the right pitch and push the sound into my ears. Again.”

“ Hand me th e bag” Fog overtook your vision for a few seconds, regaining full consciousness you saw both hands extended towards him. Yet the bag still remained firmly in your grip. 

“Close enough! Good job Akeno” Dropping the package into expecting hands the boy scurried off. One day he’d master the ability, just needed time and practice.

As the lunch bell rang Akeno called out to the trio, having the group gather around his desk. Reaching into his backpack he pulled out the treasure.

“NO WAY!” Uraraka held her own personalized bento box in hand, your son had mentioned her favor of pink, and you couldn’t help but run with it. An adorable checkered pink fabric covered the box with an elegantly tied bow. 

“Thank you so much, please tell your mom I said thank you!” Midoriya’s was of course wrapped in green. 

“From me as well!” Iida’s was a beautiful shade of blue.

As the group happily strolled to the cafeteria a looming figure waited before pouncing out from behind a corner. 

“Young Midoriya! Would you like to have lunch with me?”

“Uh well, thank you All Might but I-” A firm punch to his arm cut the nervous boy off. Akeno stared at his friend, an eyebrow raised and eyes wide.

“You cannot pass up an opportunity to have lunch with All Might!” He forcefully whispered.

“But your mom-”

“Don’t worry about it!” Sighing in dejection he agreed before rushing to his mentor's side and waving goodbye to his friends. He’d have to properly apologize for missing such a special lunch afterwards.

Sitting across from his pupil All Might skeptically eyed the elegantly tied box. As Midoriya began unwrapping it Toshinori felt a deep pang of nostalgia. From the layout to the smell, even to the encouraging message on the sticky note it felt all too familiar. 

“Hey! You forgot your lunch, so I thought I’d swing by to drop it off.” Standing in the doorway of your once shared office with a wrapped box of bento you stared over the mountainous stacks of paper to your beloved blond. “I was wondering if you’d like to share it with me?”

Darkened hues glanced up from their sheet, only for a few seconds before returning to his work.

“Thank you, but I’m a little busy right now.”  Not yet defeated, you approached the desk.

“I could help you out if you want, I don’t mind.”

“No, it’s fine. Besides I think Mei is all caught up with your work, no need to stay here all day.” Mei, a name you had come to regard with disdain. The woman he had hired to help ‘ease your workload’ brought a bitter taste to your tongue. 

“I could wait until you’re done.”

“I won’t be done for a while, please go back home love. I’ll be back later tonight.” 

With lips drawn tight and eyes swimming with animosity you exited, not another word shared.

An agonizing growl of hunger hours later finally forced himself away from the still looming stack. Opening the box and bristling in delight at its aroma he scarfed down as much as his decayed stomach could hold. Placing the lid back atop the container his heart ached at seeing the message scribed sticky note attached.

‘Don’t work too hard! I love you! ’ 

Truth be told Toshinori did not want you to leave, longing for nothing more than to enjoy the meal together. Yet the ever surging rate of crime due to his limited time left him breakless, charging full steam ahead into his work. Darring a glance to his computer's clock, more time than he had anticipated flew by, 11:42pm.

‘I’ll make it up to her.’

He never was able to.

“Where did you get that?” His voice low and graveled, baritone edging into a bass. Shadows darkening overhead, concealing steeled blue.

 He knew it was foolish to relish in such nostalgia however, if he must be plagued, he was at least grateful it is of happier times.

“Oh, Akeno’s mom made it for me. She made all of us lunch!”

‘Akeno’s mom?’ The older man pondered. ‘ Who is she? What does Midoriya know about this woman? What is her name? W- STOP. This is pathetic. It’s just a bento box. Anyone can cook katsu.’ Clearing his throat he nodded.

“That was nice of her.” 

Folding a freshly dried pile of clothes you sat within your living room, absentmindedly listening to the local news reporter drone on about the most recent activity within the city. However, the flash and sudden switch to a different reporter piqued your interest. Placing the shirt down and adjusting the volume, pure horror sparked as realization of the man’s words took hold.

“Breaking News: There is said to be an active villain attack at UA’s training facility the U.S.J, Class 1-A students are trapped inside!” 

Teleported via warp gate Akeno found himself plummeting into the ocean biome. With only a brief second to grasp the situation he inhaled and braced for impact before diving into the treacherous waters. 

The sting of salt blurred his vision yet through the blur he managed to catch the movement of a finned fist, miraculously dodging he struggled to notate his surroundings. Spotting a green blob floating just below, he hoped his assumptions were correct on who it was. Propelled by sound waves he pushes the foe away and himself closer to his classmate. Grabbing ahold of him Akeno releases another shriek thrusting them further away from the swarming thugs.

 He cannot keep this up. 

Lack of oxygen was beginning to take hold; dots spotted his vision. Despite the burn within his chest, he pushed himself to go further. Finally reaching something solid and using the last gusts of air within his lungs he again propelled them. Rushing upward, they broke the water's surface.

Crashing down onto the hardwood deck Akeno hacked, choking on air, desperate to soothe the burn deep within his chest. However, the gurgle of trapped water prevented any mediation. Even with air all around him, It felt as though he was drowning. His chest felt encumbered. Panicked Midoriya gripped his shoulders and turned his friend onto his side. Rubbing and pounding at his back, finally liquid sputtered out with each cough. 

“Is he okay?” Tsuyu emerged from the water, leaping onto the ship, tongue wrapped around a squirming Mineta. 

“We need to get out of here, he needs a doctor.” Listening to his friends' short shallow breaths sent Izuku’s mind ablaze. Though he had successfully forced most of the water out, residual liquid still crackled within. 

Scared for not only his but also his friends' lives, they needed a plan.

“The pros will save us! Right? They’ll come and beat these guys up and we’ll all be safe.” Mineta panicked, the weight of the situation finally dawning on the perverse trainee. Conversing over exactly what had been said during the initial attack coupled with the situation, Tsu and Deku both knew waiting for the pro’s was not an option.

“We have to stop whatever these bad guys are planning!” 

Realizing the flaw in the villain's thwarted plan Midoriya formulated a course of action. Wrapped within Tsu’s tongue and flung through the air via the force of Midoriya’s flick, the group managed to fool and evade the attackers. 

Following the shore to avoid the peering eyes of foes swimming closer to the main plaza the exit was within sight. Akeno’s body trembled within his classmate's grasp, struggling to stand, and barely holding onto consciousness. Mr. Aizawa’s battle raged on, their teachers' struggle growing louder as the group approached. 

How much longer would he hold out? 

A sickening crunch echoed as a monstrous beast's fists crashed down onto their teacher's defeated body, his arms twisting into splintered fractures. Fear spiraled down their spines as the young students could do nothing but observe. 

“I can't watch this anymore.” Tears streamed down Mineta’s face as he clutched both hands over his mouth, trying not to puke at the gruesome sight. “We should be getting out of here super fast shouldn’t we?”

Horrified Midoriya glanced from his beaten teacher to his half conscious friend. The once confident persona adopted for escaping the ship now shattered. Internal conflict had him paralyzed. 

‘To be a hero you have to put others above yourself.’  

The mantra repeated itself over and over within his head. Though, what was he to do now? Two people needed him: Akeno and Mr. Aizawa. They were both in life threatening condition.

Yet… he could not bring himself to choose which one to try to save. 

“Oh, before we leave. Let's make sure the symbol of peace is broken.” In an instant the main villain lunged, barreling straight towards their group. “Let's make this hurt! You look too much like him, disgusting. Don’t worry I can fix that.” With a palm extended he advanced, mere centimeters away from Akeno’s face. The group's breaths stalled within their chest, unable to move...

Yet, he stopped, halting dead in his tracks. 

His once hate filled eyes glossed over, the red hue now dull and empty.

Mouth agape in shock Midoriya looked to the boy that clung to him.

Akeno’s head was up, his eyes staring towards the villain, mouth moving yet the words inaudible. 

“Leave us alone.”

Hushed whispers rushed through the air, directly to their target. Forced in and demanding obedience the command took hold. 

Backing away the villain retreated, up the stairs in a disconnected stupor until reuniting with the warp gate. 

“What the hell was that!” As Shigaraki’s senses returned, anger boiled within his voice, eyes wide and fingers digging into the skin of his throat. Nails raked over the bloodied irritated skin. “No, no,no,n-”  The slam of once sealed doors drew his attention away. 

The man they had been waiting for finally arrived. 

“Have no fear students. Why? Because I Am Here.”

Faster than the puny thugs could process, All Might swung into action. At last, the young heroes' fears came to rest as they watched the world symbol of peace dispatch of each and every evil doer within his path. Crossing the battle field within seconds he swiftly scooped a beaten Aizawa within his arms and grabbed the group of frightened children. The jarring motion of being flung around sent Akeno into a fit of hacking. His body heaved against the muscular arm, blood splattering against the white button up. 

Seeing his colleague and student so injured fueled Toshinori’s already raging inferno. Gritted into a tight frown, his teeth ground together. 

  ‘I should have been here; I should have protected them.’

“Everybody back to the entrance, take Aizawa and Akeno with you. They don’t have much time.” Again, plagued by indecision Izuku again looked between the injured men then back to his mentor. His intuition screamed for him to stay and help All Might, to fight by his side. Based on what Thirteen had indicated before training All Might must be near his limit, leaving him vulnerable. Yet his heart yearned to get them to safety. 

Once again, the decision was left in his hands, who does he try to save? Taking notice of his prodigy's indecision, All Might addressed him.

“Young Midoriya! I got this!” 

“Right.” At his master's words, Izuku tightened his grip around his classmate while Tsu held Mr. Aizawa, they ran away. Not fully assured the nagging thought of being the soul bearer of All Might’s limit and the danger truly at hand made up his mind. Seeing other classmates racing down to the exit he laid Akeno down.

“Tsu and Mineta, take Mr. Aizawa and Akeno to the entrance, I have to go back.”

“What? Are you crazy? We can't hold both of them! Besides All Might has this handled, we have to go!” Before the grape themed trainees' words even registered, Deku ran past them and back to the ensuing fight. 

The battle with the monstrous ‘Nomu’ had the man exhausted. Barely clinging onto his mighty form, All Might’s body trembled in exhaustion. All he had to do was stall and keep up the mirage.

Shots firing and the overly jovial voice of principal Nezu signaled his relief had finally arrived.

“I'm sorry ma’am but I can't let you in. The school is under strict lockdown procedures!” The police standing guard in front of the gates had attempted several times to reassure the grief stricken woman into leaving. Yet you refused. 

‘You have to! My son was in the attack! He could be hurt.’ hands quickly signed, yet they could not understand nor make an attempt to. Growing agitated they ordered you to back away. Even when attempting to mouth words of reason their resolve stood firm. 

The crackle of a speaker and flicker of a screen caught their attention. A small mouse-like creature's face lit the device. Principal Nezu’s beady eyes and smile stared down to them. His paws placed one over the other, a steaming cup of tea sat atop his desk. Analyzing the situation with a sip of his beverage, he addressed them.

“You must be Akeno’s mother. Please come in.” Metal unlocked and the screech of a singular entrance opening rattled through the once impenetrable wall of steel, an elderly woman stood within its threshold. Her wrinkled features offered a warm smile, as she ushered you in. Despite her cheery attitude the cloud of despair that formulated upon hearing the news refused to dissipate.

You needed to see him, to know that he was okay. 

“Right this way dear,” Leading you down the winding corridors, her syringe shaped cane clacked against the tiled floor. Its steady rhythm a direct contrast to the thunderous beat of your heart. Stopping just outside a door labeled as the infirmary your anxiety overflowed. Eyes watered as tears gathered on the rims and a few slipping by. 

Gesturing for you to wait she sighed, “I healed him as much as I could, but the boy needs rest. He almost drowned today.” Wiping away the tears you nodded, attempting a brave face yet your mind swam with regrets. 

‘He almost drowned? Almost died?! … We've been here less than two months and already he's had a brush with death. Was allowing him to come here truly for the best? What kind of mother am I for willingly putting him in danger? I knew the risks. How could I allow this? How could I…’

“Come.” 

Half of the room had been sectioned off by drawn curtains, blocking the other patients from view. Light whispers shared between the two males fell silent once you had entered. 

Upon seeing Akeno false bravery slid away and tears fell once more. 

Rimmed with darkness his eyes remained closed with heavy breaths as he slept within the white sheeted hospital bed. 

‘My baby’

Toshinori and Izuku laid beyond the thin curtain wall, both watching as the silhouetted woman stood before her son. 

A shadowed hand reached for the boy, tenderly stroking his cheek before her head bowed to rest against his. Rushed breaths and sniffles indicated her distress as she wept.

An endless pit of anguish at both the situation and himself opened within the older man's heart. Sighing he looked away from the scene, up towards the white ceiling, and an unbandaged arm fell over his eyes. Afflicted by guilt any curiosity regarding the young man's mother vanquished, weighed down with the burden of responsibility.

“I should have been there sooner.” His voice barely above a breathed whisper, more so a taunt to himself. Yet within the otherwise silent room it carried through. 

Your sobs stalled for a mere millisecond as recognition sparked fear into your aching heart. 

You could recognize Toshinori’s voice anywhere.

‘Not here. Please not here. He can't be here. Not now.’ 

Trying to muffle the ragged sobs your body struggled to stand. Hunched and breaking you held your son's hand, squeezing it tightly to stay grounded. Heartaching for both the man beyond the curtain and your beloved child, your mind felt hazy, far too many emotions swarmed within.

“Ma’am?” An unfamiliar voice called out to you. 

Peeking his head out from behind the curtain walls, Izuku had forgone Recovery Girl’s orders. Saddened and riddled with his own guilt he felt compelled to speak to the grieving woman. Your back remained turned towards him, yet your head lifted slightly in acknowledgment. “Akeno saved my life. He protected me and our classmates. You should be proud of him.”

‘Proud that my son almost got himself killed? Proud that I allowed him into this lethal field? Proud that my son… saved people?’

For a split second your head turned, facing the boy. ‘Akeno risked his life to save him?’ A bittersweet smile splayed across quivering lips. Izuku’s eyes widened, recollection though brief flashed within his mind. 

You looked familiar… 

Mouthing the words ‘Thank you.’ you turned back. 

“I thought I said rest!” Recovery Girl had returned. Infuriated to see her patient in direct violation of her orders, her cane raised ready to wallop. Slinging the curtain back into place Izuku rushed back into his bed, though his mind swirled in confusion at what he had seen, or at least what he thought he saw. Recalling his stockpile of memories in an attempt to place exactly where he recognized that woman from, However, the after effects of Recovery Girl's quirk had his eyelids heavy. Dropping down, mind clouded and unclear sleep took hold before he could reminisce further.

Sitting beside your son's bed you awaited his awakening despite the ever looming presence of a man you had vowed to forsaken mere feet away. Azure eyes opened, hazed and confused they glanced around the unfamiliar room before locking onto you. His mouth opened yet only strained groans escaped. Blond brows furrowed as he continued to struggle, croaking crackled words. Quickly raising your hand you signed; 

‘Don’t speak, you’re hurt.’ Nodding his own hands rose from under the sheets.

‘Did we win?’ A silent airy laugh escaped your lips, tears long since dried out. Rubbing his forearm with a soothing hand you comforted him with a nod. 

Though the lighthearted mood soon turned stern.

‘You almost died, Akeno.’ Eyes downdrawn he stared at the white bedding. Hands fidgeting for a few moments, desperately trying to find the right words, until they steadied. Blond brows furrowed and lips drew into a tight line. 

‘I did what I had to. To protect my friends.’ Sighing, you bent down, kissing the top of his forehead and ruffling a hand through his wild blond locks. Wrapping his arms around his mother the two embraced. 

‘I know and I’m proud of you.’

[tgmsunmontue]

Season to Taste - 7/? WIP

Explicit Hangster - Celebrity Chef Bradley and Naval Aviator Jake Seresin who have a relationship spanning the globe before they realize how tightly bound they are to one another. Heading into this little world.

PROLOGUE/ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

                “You need to work the dough.”

                “Stop worrying about your clothes.”

                “You will get messy.”

                “Come here. Watch me.”

                Bradley follows Nonna’s instructions, now fully aware just where Leandro gets his demeanor from, although while she is exacting, she is also much freer with her praise. He’s also meant to be helping Violet with her English, but so far she seems unimpressed with him, watching him fail at making pasta.

                “More flour.”

                “Now work it.”

                “You get strong arms making pasta,” Nonna says, poking at his bicep and Bradley huffs in amusement. “Okay. Stronger arms. You make all the pasta from now on. I can rest my old bones.”

                “You’re not old.”

                “Never ask a woman her age! Or even imply that you might know it.”

                “I know, I know. All women are beautiful.”

                “And all the men, sì?” Silvia asks, coming into the kitchen and Bradley flushes, because he hadn’t exactly expected her to find that out the way she did. Fortunately neither she nor Leandro seem to care, and now Violet is looking at him with surprise rather than disdain. It makes a nice change.

                “And all the men,” Bradley agrees, ducking his head with embarrassment.

                Silvia lets out a mad cackle of laughter and pats his face, leaving a flour imprint.

                “Come on now, we still have to make ravioli…”

…            …            …

                He knocks on the door and waits for Leo to come and answer. He’s packed a small bag, basic toiletries and a change of clothes, even if the assumption is that he won’t be needing them. The door opens and he goes to step forward, greet Leo with a kiss except…

                “Oh. Shit. Sorry. You are not Leo.”

                “No. No I’m not. Nice to know he’ll get a warm welcome though. I’m Violet, one of Leo’s cousins.”

                “Oh, hi. Nice to meet you. Jake Seresin.”

                “Seresin? Huh.”

                She’s giving Jake a once over, and rather than feel like he’s getting checked out he feels like he’s being assessed and critiqued, a bit like he’s undergoing inspection back in USNA and about to be yelled out for having a spot on his boot. However he’s got five older sisters and he can wait out anyone.

                “Everything okay?”

                “Hmm. You’ll do Cinderfella.”

                “What?”

                “Just what I call you. Leonardo got drunk and talked about you. I called you the one who got away. Like… Cinderella. But Cinderfella.”

                “Clever. Except I didn’t leave a shoe behind,” Jake grins, quite intrigued to learn that Leo definitely remembers him. That he wasn’t just a vague memory but had made enough of an impression to not only be remembered, but talked about and for his cousin gave Jake a nickname. He’ll take it.

                “No. You didn’t.”

                Her voice is low and serious, she gives him another look, this time Jake wonders if he’s being measured for a body-bag, suddenly a little more nervous. He didn’t expect a shovel talk for a hook up. Prolonged hook up sure, but still a hook up. She jerks her head and steps aside, calls out something in what he assumes is Italian which he thinks he might understand half of. He steps in after her, takes the open door for the invitation it is, toeing off his shoes. Leo appears and his face lights up when he sees Jake and he smiles back. Raises an eyebrow when Violet slaps a hand on Leo’s chest and starts talking to him in rapid fire Italian. Leo is still looking at him, although a quick few snaps of her fingers in front of his face bring his attention back to her.

                “It’s rude to talk in front of guests when they don’t understand...” Leo states with a grin.

                “Oh, I’m sorry. Do you want me to repeat what I just said in English?”

                Jake raises an eyebrow, because it’s obviously got to be embarrassing for him, or maybe Leo. Or maybe her, given the way she’s flushing, although he thinks she might be angry with Leo for putting her on the spot.

                “It’s fine. I don’t mind…” Plus he’s sure Leo can tell him later if it’s funny.

                “She was just saying it was a shame you don’t have a sister…”

                “Uh…” Jake starts, because Leo knows he has sisters. Maybe not quite how many, or that one is in fact a lesbian, if that’s what the angle is here, but he’s not just going to toss that out there.

                “I was joking! Ugh. Call me when dinner’s ready.”

                “Yes your highness…”

                She gives Leo the finger and it reminds Jake so much of his relationship with his own sisters it makes him grin. Leo had said he didn’t have siblings, but obviously he’s got cousins he’s close to. Close enough to work and travel with anyway. Then Leo is clearly not caring about his cousin and is stepping in close to him and giving him a deep kiss, like the one he’d planned to give him when he opened the door. Nice to know they would’ve been on the same page at least.

                “Hi. All good?”

                “Very good… anyone else here I need to meet? Or hide from?”

                “No. They’ve all gone, managed to get earlier flights. Just me and Vi. And she’s going back to New York day after tomorrow.”

                “And she knows when to make herself scarce…”

                “That she does…”

…            …            …

                Bradley feels energized, the other side of fucked out and instead is going to be in a sickeningly good mood which is going to annoy Vi so much. He can’t wait. He is indeed going to make dinner and he’s not going to do anything fancy or new, but he does need something to direct his buzzing energy into so he’s making pasta from scratch, enjoying Jake’s company in the kitchen as he watches Bradley feed the dough through the pastaio.

                “You know, I would have been fine with store bought right? Even takeout.”

                “Just as easy to make it. And it’ll taste better.”

                “If you say so.”

                “You can give me your honest feedback…” Bradley says, pausing to give him a kiss, and it drags on a bit longer than he anticipates, Jake shifting to grab and massage his ass and he groans into it, a little amazed because he’d thought he was done. At least for a little while. Apparently not.

                “No fucking in the kitchen!”

                “Vi…” Bradley groans.

                “I told you to call me when dinner was ready.”

                “Does it look ready?” Bradley snaps, and she’s interrupted the beginnings of a nice make out session.

                “No. And it never will be ready if you keep stopping to…” she pulls a face and waves her hands around, her annoyance at not being able to find the rights words palpable. English idioms were something she’s always hated.

                “Play tonsil hockey?” Bradley asks. “Grab ass? Mess around? Suck face?”

                “Better than sucking other things. Come on. Cook already. Then I’ll go back to my room and put my headphones on really loud. Because I won’t make that mistake twice.”

                He rolls his eyes, pulling away from Jake with reluctance, reminds himself that she’ll be gone in less than thirty-six hours. And he’ll probably miss her when she’s gone, although he’ll only have ten days with Jake and then… well. He doesn’t want to think about what comes after. Instead he lets Jake and Vi make polite conversation and she’s telling him all about her Masters in business and languages while Bradley finishes making the pasta and then starts on the sauce. It’s a simple carbonara with some pancetta and mushrooms because he’s scraping the bottom of the barrel in terms of ingredient with it all used up for filming yesterday and then consumed pretty much immediately, and he’d used the rest of it for breakfast and really hadn’t thought it through. At least he’ll be able to go to the farmers market again twice before he leaves. He dishes up and Vi looks at the bowl and then at him, pulling a face and he chuckles.

                “Leave me alone. I’m on vacation.”

                “I’ll say.”

                He puts the sauce on the table automatically, but he sees Jake reaching for it automatically and he grabs his wrist.

                “Wait. Just… try it first without the sauce?”

                Jake rolls his eyes and does a whole put upon sigh; Bradley tries to ignore the feeling of Vi’s eyes boring holes into the side of his head. Jake dutifully tries it, nods and smiles and then promptly adds sauce and Bradley just lets himself shake with silent laughter. Just his luck the hot guy has god awful taste.

                “He’s… you’re… tomato ketchup on pasta? Leonardo.”

                “He’s not making you eat it,” Bradley says with a laugh out loud this time, and he sits down, hooking his ankle around Jake’s. It’s the third meal now he’s seen Jake add ketchup to and he’s starting to think Jake’s tastebuds might be dead. Or unable to taste anything other than ketchup.

                “Salsa scandalo. Mamma mia… Nonna e la Nana sarebbero morte.”

                “Shut up. They wouldn’t die,” Bradley says, kicking her under the table in an effort to make her remember to at least try and stick with English.

                “Oh, I think they would. Then they’d turn into ghosts and haunt you.”

                “Salsa scandal?” Jake asks, repeating part of what Vi had said.

                “You adding ketchup to pasta. Our grandmothers would both have something to say about that.”

                “Bitch. You’d normally have something to say about that. Il cazzo deve essere davvero buono.”

                Jake chokes and Bradley looks at him sharply, remembers Jake saying he’d been learning Italian using DuoLingo. Huh. He probably understood something there, dick or good, or both. Vi can be incredibly crude when she thinks no-one understands what she’s saying except for Bradley.

                “Jake here is learning Italian, so you might want to watch your language. Don’t want him to think you’re not a lady.”

                “Uh, there was never any danger of that…” Vi snorts. “So, Italian huh? That’s a funny coincidence.”

                Jake just shrugs and smiles at him.

                “No, not really.”

EIGHT

[dreadsuitsamus]

Daddy's Little Secret | Isshin Kurosaki x Reader |

part two

author's note: this idea has been in my head for a good while now, and i've finally decided to write it! there won't be much of a story in this, as i plan each chapter to be a sexual encounter between isshin and reader

pairing: isshin kurosaki x fem!reader

warnings: nsfw, no explicit smut but it is sexual and suggestive, masturbation, voyeurism, age gap, reader is a few years older than ichigo

“Are you sure this is okay, Ichigo?” You murmur as he leads you up the pathway of his home, the younger man carrying your bags for you. “I don't wanna just barge in… You haven't even asked your dad if it's cool—”

“Dad’s not gonna care.” Ichigo shakes his head. “He'd rather you stay on our couch than in your car on the street. It's okay. Just trust me.”

Sighing, you follow your friend inside and slip your shoes off politely. Your housing situation has hit a bit of a snag and you're officially, though hopefully temporarily, homeless. Ichigo's to the rescue as always, however, and was quick to give you a warm helping hand, just as he was when you first met him. Being a bartender is wonderful, but the drawbacks such as rowdy, creepy drunks tend to call for more forceful measures than your best holler can provide. Luckily for you, Ichigo has a helluva right hook and you've been friends ever since!

Setting your bags down, Ichigo starts a quick tour of the house. You've met his family before, as the bar you work for is also a restaurant, but you've never been to the Kurosaki household. It's surprisingly well-put together despite the chaotic relationship of Ichigo and his father, though it's likely due to Ichigo's younger sisters, if you had to guess.

“My dad's not home yet, but he should be here soon with my sisters.” Ichigo murmurs as he grabs some linens from the hall closet; tonight the couch will have to do for him, as he's a gentleman and will absolutely give up his room for you, but he'll arrange to stay with his sweet girl Orihime for a little while starting tomorrow. He's not looking forward to it: how his father naps on that lumpy, uncomfortable old couch so easily is a mystery!

“Thank you, Ichigo.” You murmur softly. “I'll try to get out of your hair soon.”

Your friend merely waves a hand and sets the sheet and blankets on the arm of the couch before grabbing the remote and turning the television on. The mind-numbing cartoon isn't performing for you, however, as your heart thrums in anticipation. Ichigo's father, Isshin Kurosaki, doesn't seem like he'd mind your presence, but the worry remains. You know you'd certainly have some feelings about such an unexpected guest!

Your poor heart nearly pops when the sound of voices at the front door get louder upon entry, and Ichigo stands to meet his family, lest his father say or do something embarrassing before you've even been announced. Yuzu rushes to her older brother's arms as Karin spots you, perking a thin brow. Ichigo doesn't tend to bring friends home, especially not since he started college.

“What's up?” She cuts her eyes to her older brother, and Ichigo explains more to Isshin, who is oddly quiet, rather than Karin.

“She needs a place to stay for a little while.”

Isshin nods, turning to look at you. He's as handsome as ever, his stubble grown out a tad more than it was the last time you'd seen him at the bar, and his smile is gorgeous and polite, though you can't escape the feeling of it being more muted than you're used to. “Stay as long as you need to. Any friend of Ichigo's is always welcome here.”

“Thank you, sir.” Your cheeks warm, relief washing down your shoulders. Gazing at your wrist to check the time, you sigh softly. “I’ve got to get ready for my shift tonight.”

“I'll walk you to your car.” Ichigo offers, and waits patiently as you wash up and change into your uniform. Isshin settles onto the couch beside his only son, thumbing at the stack of linens to be used for his temporary bed tonight.

“You know I don't mind taking in your friend.” He starts, voice low in the event you come downstairs and overhear him. “I just would've appreciated a heads up.” Unsaid is that he would've used that advance notice to fix his hair up before you saw him, and perhaps undone a button or two on his shirt.

“Sorry, Dad.” Ichigo murmurs. “Her roommate dropped the bomb on her last night that she had to leave. We spent all day moving her things to a storage unit.”

Isshin rubs at his chin, gently tugging at the bit of stubble. He's gotta shave tonight, he thinks. “You givin’ your room up?”

“Yeah.”

Isshin claps his hand on his son's shoulder. He's raised a good man, one that he's incredibly proud of! He squeezes for a brief moment before pulling away just as you come downstairs, dressed in your simple work uniform. High-waisted jeans and a t-shirt with the bar’s name splashed over the front and tucked into your waistband make for a pretty sight, especially with the low cut that provides Isshin with a hearty eyeful of cleavage. It's what deters him from visiting your bar more often; his daughters don't need to see how much their pervy father longs to faceplant in between your breasts.

Ichigo and his father stand and your eyes flit to gaze at the older man. “I’ll be back around 2:30. I'll be quiet, I promise!”

“You couldn't wake Dad if you tried.” Ichigo deadpans. Isshin's cheeks warm at your giggles, and he tackles Ichigo to the ground. Embarrassing his own father right in front of an absolute babe??? Unforgivable!

“Dad, come on!” Karin shouts, scrambling to intervene now. With a guest over??? Her dad has lost his mind!

Grinning softly at the madness, Karin having been sucked into the wrestling while Yuzu rushes in with a broom to smack at them all, the heels of your boots click on the hardwood as you head for the door. Your stay here certainly won't be dull!

With a sigh, you tiredly park your car outside of the Kurosaki home. Work was rough, and nothing sounds more wonderful than a hot shower and some rest, and maybe even a sandwich if you can stay awake long enough.

You're met at the door by Isshin, who presses a gentle finger over his lips as the sounds of Ichigo's snores ring out. Laughing softly as the older man winks, you slip your boots off at the door. “You're up pretty late.”

“Insomnia.” Isshin shrugs casually and follows you up the stairs, shamelessly staring at your ass the whole way up. “Heard your car pull up. Wanted to make sure you got in safely.”

“Ah.” At the top of the landing, you pause for a moment with Isshin just across from you, his henley and plaid pajama pant combo somehow striking. Perhaps batting your lashes more than you should be at a friend's father, you lick your lips, teeth slowly dragging along the flesh of your bottom lip. “Thank you, Mr. Kurosaki.”

“Isshin. After hours, anyway.” He tucks his hands in his pockets with a shrug, perking a brow at the embarrassing admission from your stomach. “Hungry, hm?”

Cheeks fiery and the tip of your nose and ears burning, you duck your head. “Mm… A little. Ichigo and I had some lunch earlier, but that's all I had to eat. Besides a few fries at the bar, anyway.” And an iced coffee to start the morning!

Isshin shakes his head. “Girl dinner.” He grumbles with a scoff and an eye roll— he's treated too many women that hardly eat at all and then complain about headaches! Turning to start back down the steps, Isshin waves a hand. “I’ll warm up the dinner leftovers.”

Covering your mouth to hide a giggle, you venture into Ichigo's bedroom and rifle around your messily packed suitcases for a fresh pair of panties and pajamas. Exhaustion weighs down your bones and a big yawn leaves you damn near spent, though you power through enough to grab a thong and a tank top to get you through the night. Everyone should be out of the house by the time you wake up to start your day, so the worries of anyone catching a peek of your cheeks don't settle.

Rubbing your tired eyes as the shower warms, you sigh with pleasure as the hot water spreads and soothes the ache between your shoulders. Life has been nothing but stressful lately, this recent move only the cherry on top the shitshow mountain. College is hard, work is unfulfilling and the tip money only barely covers the bills, and your sex life has tanked.

Thinking about sex as you run the soapy washcloth over your breasts probably isn't the best idea, but it doesn't stop your other hand from the pinches and tugs of your nipples to relieve some of the pressure. Leaning against the shower wall, your teeth dip into your lip as your fingers do a bit of walking. It's nothing but a tease, a shallow dipping of your fingers to feel the wetness gathering between your folds. A few soft, breathy gasps pass beyond the thin curtain that veils you, but the man with perceptive brown eyes in the hall pushes the door open just a tad wider than you'd left it to peer into that gap.

Isshin smirks softly, licking his lip as he watches you touch yourself. He's wanted a piece of you since he first saw you, as forbidden of an idea as that is. You're his son's friend! He can't. Even if you wanted to, and he thinks you do, it can't happen. That's a line he can't cross… He's too old for you, anyway.

Though as he watches you slowly rub your clit and toy with your breasts, he's sure that this old dog could show you the best night of your life. With a wistful sigh and a firm squeeze to his cock, Isshin heads downstairs before he's caught perving and fixes your plate of dinner properly.

Biting your lip through a grin, you're quickly out of the shower and drying off before Isshin's back upstairs. Of course that old man's the type to peep in on a young woman's shower! You laid the trap and he walked right into it— what a typical doofus of a man.

You've just slipped into your thong when you hear Isshin moving upstairs again, and you purposely ditch the tank top in favor of looping the towel over your shoulders, your breasts just barely covered by the blue cotton as Isshin turns the corner with a warm plate of food in hand and heads for Ichigo's bedroom.

Two gentle taps of his knuckle on the bedroom door are all you get before he's letting himself in, and for a moment he falters at the sight of you. He really should have taken that melatonin tonight… You're before him in a skimpy thong with only a teeny tiny towel over your breasts, and he has to act like he's fine. Like he's not ready to pounce and pound you into pure oblivion. He can't.

This being a father thing is so damn difficult!

Finding the pause cute and the dumb look on Isshin's face even cuter, you smirk gently and approach him with a swish in your hips. His Adam's apple bobs when you're so close to him he can see the few beads of water on your collarbone, and fuck he wants to lick them away and leave a bite or two…

“Something on your mind?” You practically purr at him, and aren't you just awful! Flirting with your friend's father, the one with a dead wife and three kids he's had to raise by his lonely…

Carefully, the man licks his lips and forces himself to look you in the eye, and frankly he's not sure if that pretty face is making his little problem in his pants any better. “No.”

Reaching up, the backs of your fingers gently graze over the side of his face. “That's a shame… Would've loved to hear all about it. I'm sure you've got some… Interesting ideals.”

A growl forms at the back of Isshin's throat, low and deep and the glint in your eye at the sound just makes him want to tug that towel off and—

Well, now you've gone and done that part for him.

Dropping the towel to the floor, you rub Isshin's jaw, his beard noticeably trimmed down to the way he usually likes it. “You shaved. It looks nice.”

“Just nice?” Isshin sets the plate on the desk, his fingers itching to touch your supple skin as he loops them around the thin bands of your thong, his thumbs rubbing the silky fabric. “Not sexy? Ravishing, even? How about a place you'd like to sit?”

A chuckle bubbles in your chest alongside the fireworks going off inside. The door's wide open and it's three in the morning, any of his kids are liable to get up and use the bathroom at any time! Pressing your hands to his chest, you find him firmer than you thought he'd be. “What makes you think I need something like that from you?”

Isshin clicks his tongue, snapping your thong against your skin as you softly push him away. “My bad for assuming. I just thought with, you know, the way you touched yourself in the shower that you've been a bit pent up.” With a wink and a shit-eating grin, Isshin's closing the door behind him and heading back to his bedroom.

Goosebumps litter your body, and that sly little smile doesn't leave your lips even after you've finished eating and settle in for bed. It's been one night and you've already nearly fucked your friend's father— it's not a matter of if now. Just when.

And will you be able to hide it from Ichigo?

[smgsyndicate]

Little!Rain & CG!Alpha

No CW, Age Regression, Kinks DNI

Regressed Rain with CG!Alpha ??? Yes .

Anyways, a 2k-something word long mindless fic about them being adorable. No warnings, just cuteness

ALSO . Suggestions and criticism is welcome and encouraged (please be nice tho lmao)

The ministry halls were unusually quiet, though that may have something to do with the time. Alpha looked down at his wrist to check the time, sighing very obnoxiously when he was met with the sight of his bare wrist. ... The fire ghoul doesn't even own a watch.

Alpha just huffs, pulling out his phone and squinting at the light as it shines the numbers 3:33am brightly in his face. He groans, turning his phone back off and scrubbing tiredly at his face before going back to what he was doing ... Pacing the halls.

Sometimes, a feeling Alpha could never get anyone else to understand, would creep up on him. The feeling brought up intense urges to make sure absolutely *everyone* was safe.

This time though, he was thankful for his un-fightable urge, rounding the corner of the water ghoul's wing when he hears a soft sniffling. His ear flicks, eyes turning to pin pricks and his breathing slowing as he listened for the soul crushing sound again. ... *There!* Right there it was again!

But if a ghoul is crying... Who? Must be a water ghoul, obviously. But *who?* The sound was too raw and bare with emotion, as opposed to the silent and angry cry of a certain ghoullette, Mist.

The sound was a shitty attempt at hiding sadness, something Chain was *never* good at. You would *always* know when Chain was upset, letting out ugly (in Chain's own humble opinion) sobs anything something upsets him.

There was a distinct lack of destruction around, leading Alpha to believe it wasn't Lake either. The older fire ghoul brushed the tips of his fingers across the doors, wondering *who* could be so sad?

The answer hit him as he heard a sad wet sniffle come from the door to his right. He pauses, turning towards it. The name "Rain" is etched in a gorgeous stone that Alpha wouldn't be able to tell you the name of, sea creatures of all shapes and sizes glued to the pretty name tag.

The guitarist stared at the door with his mouth twisted to a slight frown. It's not that he didn't like the new ghoul- quite the opposite actually. His calmer personality and soft voice was a much welcome change to the hyperactive ghouls that were Swiss, Phantom, and Sodo.

Alpha hovers his hand over the door knob, hesitating. He didn't really know the guy, opting to spend his time reading or messing around trying to make his own music. Would his help be appreciated? Or even actually helpful?

The ghoul sighs, turning to walk away but a distressed chirp catches his breath. His head whips around to face the door again, throwing caution to the wind and knocking as gently as he could. (Which isn't all that gently, but he's trying?)

The crying grows quieter before a shaky voice reaches his ears. "H-hello?" Alpha winces at the attempt of sounding normal. "Hey buddy, you doing okay? I can try to help if you need anythi-" before he could finish, the door is opened and he stumbles with the force of a water ghoul hugging him tight.

The fire ghoul's face contorts into a mix of discomfort and surprise. Alpha had no problem letting the newer summon hug him, no. The problem was ... How was he supposed to comfort the ghoul?

He hugs the shorter ghoul, rubbing his back with what he hopes is a reassuring smile and not one that expresses his current feeling of being out of his depth. "Shhh.. shh... It's alright. What's going on?"

Thankfully, Rain either doesn't notice or doesn't comment on it, hiding his face in Alpha's chest with a body wracking sob. "I- I-" Rain's gills flutter and he shakes as he tries to get his breathing regulated enough to speak. "I wan- I wanted to prac'ice my bass but when 'm got there, is was broked! The strings!"

The guitarist nodded sympathetically, but was still a bit confused. How did this all lead up to this much distress? "A-an then when I tried to fixed it? We has no more!" Alpha frowned at the water ghoul's words for a few different reasons. Firstly, he feels bad for the bassist. Secondly, the practice room is usually stocked- so he made a mental note to remind Special to order some more. Third of all... The ghoul is a mess over something that's not that big of a deal? And his words are all slightly off and it's almost like a child throwing a tantrum-

Alpha would've face palmed if not for the fact he currently had his arms full of a Rain ghoul, who is still clinging to him just as tight. He's not as experienced with the coping mechanism known as age regression, but he'd heard enough from Omega that he's confident enough that that's what he's dealing with.

With as gentle of a smile as the fire ghoul could muster, he carefully moved the water ghoul so he could see his face. "Rain, how old are you right now?" The bassist blinked at him owlishly, lashes wet and small tear tracks left in his sorrow's wake. His brow furrowed adorably, (at least in Alpha's opinion), before he softly spoke.

The older ghoul tilts his head. The answer wasn't English? "Can you repeat that, little one?" The water ghoul lets out an embarrassed chirp at the name, shyly nodding. "... Trois.." Alpha wracks his brain for information, frustrated at the lack of answers before he lets out a soft "oh." of understanding. "You're three, droplet?"

Rain just nods, biting his lip anxiously. "I- I can uhm. I can go 'way an deal with it on my own though- if you wanna. M a big ghoul... An .. droplet 's Dewy's name. Not mine! Silly!" He giggles a bit at the end, but his voice is heavy with rejection.

Alpha frowns at that, shaking his head gently and keeping his tone light as to not frighten the little ghoul. "No, no. It's alright. You can stay with me until you're feeling better. Besides, there's plenty of other names out there little guppy."

That seems to be a good enough response because soon enough he finds himself with a hand full of a purring water ghoul. A small sound catches the guitarist's attention, ear flicking. "You hungry, little one?" He says with amusement, still gently rubbing Rain's back.

Rain flushes and hides his face in embarrassment at his stomach growling. "M... Mhm..." They hum out in agreement. Alpha lets out a small "aw" at their adorable behaviour, bringing a hand up to push their curtain bangs out of their face.

"No need to be shy, dragonfly. I've got you." The fire ghoul goes to pick him up but pauses. "Is it alright to pick you u-" he's interrupted by an excited trill and Rain lifting his arms expectantly. "Uppies!" He cheers, tail wagging so quickly that it shakes him slightly.

Alpha laughs at that, picking up the excited water ghoul. Surprisingly, Rain is pretty light. He expected some sort of struggle carrying a full gown ghoul (or well,,, full grown *physically*,) but it seems not to matter. Alpha maneuvers him to be resting on his hip as he makes his way towards the kitchen, eyes flicking over to the regressed ghoul every few seconds to make sure he's alright.

The bassist pouts, fins flattening, when Alpha gently coaxes the bassist's fingers out of his own mouth. They whine, immediately going back to do the same thing again. Alpha just sighs dramatically with a smile, trying to think of something better.

Naturally, he'd give the little one a pacifier, but he's never personally dealt with this situation before. He feels out of his depth with no tools or toys or anything to help keep the water ghoul all happy. Still, he tries his best to make Rain happy.

"Shhh... None of that baby. Can you tell me what kind of drink you want? Or maybe something to eat if you feel up to it?" Alpha remembers something Omega said about some littles not wanting to eat if they feel too young, opting for a drink alternative if they can. However, the guitarist can't remember what age range the Quint had said. "Mnh... M'k.."

The fire ghoul nods, carefully setting the bassist down on the counter and grabbing the milk jug from the fridge. He hums in thought as to what container to put it in, knowing the water ghoul would spill it in his current space.

"Boddle!" Rain chirps out happily, pointing at a cabinet Alpha's never used before. The lead guitarist nods with a relieved sigh when he sees an array of different bottles and sippy cups in the cabinet. He pulls out a blue one with cute little sea creatures on it and closes the cupboard, pouring the milk into the bottle and moving to put it in the microwave.

He stops when he hears a distressed whine, turning to see the bassist frowning at him and reaching for the bottle. "Oh, I'm just heating it up for you little one. Don't worry, you'll get it soon enough."

This doesn't seem to please Rain, making him whine louder and shake his head. Alpha swears he remembers Omega saying that he should heat up the milk, saying regressors would find the warmth soothing and it would be easier to make them take a nap, but in this moment? Alpha just wants the bassist to be happy.

Definitely not because Rain has him bending to his every demand with big round eyes and watery tears threatening to emerge and a sad little pout on his face .. ... No, definitely not. Alpha hands the bottle to the water ghoul, watching him fumble with it for a moment before chuckling and taking it back.

"Right. Forgot. You're just a little thing, aren't you?" He says fondly, big blue eyes blinking back at him owlishly. "Come here, you." He says, scooping up Rain as best he can despite only being a bit taller than the little ghoul.

Alpha carries him to the couch, sitting down carefully and putting the bottle down. He reaches over and grabs the spare blanket they always leave there in case they find a sleeping ghoul on the couch and wraps it around the bassist, swaddling him as best as he can.

Rain chirps and trills loudly at that, making Alpha chuckle. "You like that, huh? Being all comfy and cozy?" The water ghoul doesn't really reply, just happily nuzzling against the lead guitarist with happy little sounds.

The fire ghoul hums. "Alright, alright. Let's get something in your tummy now, hm?" Alpha paused, realizing he's been talking out loud to basically himself since Rain's too little to respond.

He stays quiet, feeling slightly embarrassed as he picks up the bottle and brings the nip to the little ghoul's mouth. Rain blinks at it before looking up at Alpha.

The fire ghoul sighs, realizing the water ghoul liked him talking. "Alright, alright, fine. You win. Now drink your bottle before I die of worry you silly thing. C'mon, open please baby." The bassist doesn't quite understand for a moment but with the help of Alpha trying to work it into his mouth, the water ghoul happily starts to suckle on the bottle. He purrs in-between gulps of milk, eyes closing and body relaxed peacefully as he drinks.

"Thereeee you go, buddy! Good job! You must be starving, huh? All tired out from such an exhausting day, hm? We'll go restring your bass tomorrow, okay? Right now, just rest up and relax." Rain chirps, happily drinking the bottle still.

Alpha just smiles softly when he notices the milk starting to drip down the bassist's chin, gently removing the bottle and wiping off the spilt milk gently. "I guess that's naptime, little shark." He says quietly, slowly standing up and carrying Rain to his room.

He looks around, never having been in the newer summons room before. The walls are painted with an ocean mural, all sorts of sea creatures and coral painted as well. Alpha carefully lays the little water ghoul down on the bed, adjusting the blanket and pulling another over him to make sure he's comfortable.

Rain whines quietly, wiggling a bit and chewing on his lip. Alpha tsk'd and gently pulled the bassist's fangs away from his own lip. "None of that, little one. Settle back down and go back to sleep baby ghoul."

The fire ghoul noticed a small box sticking out from under the bed, pulling it out and opening it to see some little gear. He smiled and picked up a small green pacifier with a little fish charm on it. "Here you go, this should be better, yeah?"

Alpha gently slips the pacifier into Rain's mouth, watching the water ghoul easily relax at the soothing pressure. The fire sighs, feeling slightly disappointed at having to leave now. "Alright... Sleep well little one."

He stands up to walk away but is stopped by a heartbreaking whine. When he turns back, the bassist is looking back at him with big watery eyes, begging him to stay.

The lead guitarist can't help the small smile. "Alright baby. I'll stay." He says softly, moving onto the bed and holding Rain close to his chest protectively. "Sleep tight, little rainbow." Alpha kissed the little ghoul's forehead, happily falling asleep to the sound of quiet happy little purrs.

[hyperfixatedimagines]

Home for the Holidays Chapter 2

Summary: Your family didn't take your coming out well....and instead of spending the holiday alone you join your roommate for Christmas dinner. While Aemond wishes you set your sights on his sister Helaena, your tastes skew much older. 

A/N: This chapter is not quite as smutty as I may have promised so I apologize but hope you all still enjoy it. Please let me know what you think!

A/N 2: I also apologize for the massive massive delay but as always I appreciate those of you who've stuck around patiently waiting. Happy Holidays!

You walked into the study, and revealed yourself as the peeping tom. 

“Oh it’s you,” Alicent said, a bit of surprise in her voice. 

“I’m so sorry Alicent. I just couldn’t sleep so I came down for a drink of water then I saw the lights on and wondered who else was up but then I heard you crying and tried to leave you alone but then you heard me so I-,” you rambled, your face getting warmer with every word that left your lips. 

Alicent put a hand up to quiet you. 

It worked. 

“It’s alright (y/n)," she said, her voice a bit hoarse.

You noted her eyes looked tired but her smile was just as warm as it had been earlier. 

“I’ll uh- leave you to it then,” you said sheepishly.

You turned to leave but Alicent called out to you. 

“Won't you join me for a drink?” 

You turned back to her, eyebrows raised. “Are you sure?” 

Alicent nodded. 

“Only if you want to though,” she added. 

“I do,” you replied. 

So you walked over to where Alicent stood. 

You sat down in the armchair opposite her in front of the fireplace. 

“Pick your poison,” Alicent said and gestured to the bar cart next to her. 

You eyed the options she had in the cart. Nothing you really liked but you didn’t want to be rude. So you went with the drink you least hated out of the alcohol she had available. 

“I’ll do just two fingers of whiskey,“ you told her. 

Alicent raised her brows. “I didn’t peg you for a whiskey girl.“ 

You smirked. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.” 

Alicent chuckled. “That is true.”

Then she turned to the bar cart and started to pour your drink. 

You cleared your throat. “Is it alright if I ask why you were crying?” 

Alicent finished pouring your whiskey. 

Then she handed it over to you. You took it. 

Alicent leaned back in her seat. “It’s not some big secret. My family can be...a lot, but the estate is so lonely when they aren’t all here. I get a little emotional when they leave.” 

"I get that," you said, then took a sip of the whiskey. 

It was horrendous but you did your best to hide your disgust. 

You figured you didn’t hide it well enough by the laugh that escaped Alicent’s lips. 

Your face went hot with embarrassment. 

Alicent quickly recovered and changed the topic. “So, why couldn’t you sleep?” 

You set the glass of whiskey aside. “It’s a bit pathetic really,” you replied without meeting her gaze. 

Alicent frowned. “I’m sure it’s not...but I won’t pry if you don’t wish to share.” 

You looked over at the fire, and got lost in the crackling flames before you answered. Alicent watched you, rapt.

“It’s my family. I checked my mother’s social media and she already has a bunch of vacation photos up.” 

Alicent nodded softly. “I can imagine that hurt to see.” 

You met her gaze. “It did, but what really hurt was that she didn’t even acknowledge a family member was missing. In one of the captions it said it was good to have the ‘whole family’ there.” 

You felt tears pricking at the corners of your eyes again so you turned away from Alicent and blinked them away. 

"That’s so awful. I don’t understand how a mother could do that to her daughter. I can’t even imagine doing that with Aegon...and you know how he is," Alicent replied then took a long drink. 

You let out a small laugh and turned back to face her.

She set her drink on her lap and laughed along.

The pain in your chest dissipated hearing Alicent’s laugh. 

You smiled. 

“Thank you,” you told her. 

She tilted her head to the side. “Whatever for?” 

“It hurts less, being here with you,” you confessed. 

When you realized what you had said you quickly added, “- With your family, I mean.”

This time it was Alicent who blushed. She looked down at the drink in her hands. “You say the sweetest things (y/n).” 

Butterflies started to tickle your nerves. No funny or witty retort formed in your mind. So you just smiled. 

Alicent looked back up at you, and smiled back. 

It started to get quiet as neither of you knew what to say next. 

Once again it was Alicent who broke the silence.

“How is Aemond doing at uni? He tells me he’s doing well but I know my little dragon. I worry about him. He’s never been one to have many friends,” Alicent said as she swirled the alcohol around in her glass. 

You took a steadying breath. “He’s doing alright. He’s a really nice guy.” 

Alicent nodded without looking up from her glass. “That’s good. I’ve always hoped he would be. Does he have a girlfriend?”

 You shook your head. “Not that I know of, and Aemond and I tell each other everything.” 

“I see,” she replied, then looked up at you. “You know, the first time I saw you in the background during a facetime call I hoped you were his girlfriend.” 

You laughed. “Me? Really?” 

Alicent laughed along with you. “Yes, I guess I just hoped he had someone caring for him y’know?” 

You nodded. “I do."

"Besides, you seemed like a nice girl and I thought we would get along well," she added, a tinge of pink in her cheeks. 

"I don't think Aemond would classify me as a nice girl,” you said with a laugh. 

Alicent took another drink, but she smiled as she peered over her glass and looked at you. “Is that so?”

“I don’t think Aemond would be my type, if I was into men, or I his in all honesty,” you replied and shrugged. 

Alicent’s smile slowly disappeared, and was replaced by slightly pursed lips. She eyed you up and down before looking back down at the amber liquid in her glass. She cleared her throat.

Your gaze shot back towards her. 

“What is your type?” She asked, swallowing hard.

Your eyes narrowed a bit at the question.

Why would she want to know? Is she flirt- No. She’s just making conversation, you thought to yourself.

“I guess I have a tendency to go for older women,” you revealed, trying your best not to give away that you only had one older woman in mind.

She met your gaze, and you didn’t dare look away.You didn’t dare take a breath. 

There was something in her gaze, you couldn’t read it, and you didn’t want her to stop looking at you. 

But she did. 

Alicent looked away and took another drink. “How did you and uhm- how did you and Aemond become friends?”

You slowly let out the breath you had held. 

“Uhm…,” you began, trying to collect your thoughts. “We had the same history class freshman year. He was this annoying kid in class that would correct the professor whenever there was the smallest inaccuracy or inconsistency. It drove everyone crazy but I thought it was hilarious.He was a total nerd and I found it ridiculously endearing.” 

Alicent smiled. “That sounds like my Aemond.” 

You nodded. “Then we got paired up for a history project and we just got to talking. We bonded over the way our families can be...a lot.” 

Alicent looked at you with raised brows. “I see.” 

You sat up, afraid you had offended her. “Not like in a bad or good way, just that with money comes high expectations.” 

Alicent nodded. “Of course (y/n), I understand more than you could imagine.” 

You sat back in the armchair and took another sip of your whiskey. “I don’t doubt it...what are eldest daughters if not slaves to the family name, right?” 

The whiskey didn’t taste as gross this time so you took another drink.

Alicent gazed at the burning fire. She sighed. 

“Exactly,” she whispered. 

"Sorry for being so dour,” you said and downed the rest of the whiskey. 

Alicent did the same and finished off her glass. “Don’t be. I haven’t had someone to talk to like this since…” She trailed off.

“Since your husband passed?,” you guessed.

Alicent nodded slowly. “Yes..”

“Aemond mentioned you used to be very involved in your late husband’s political campaigns. Do you have plans to get back into that?”

Alicent exhaled loudly and ran a hand through her messy auburn hair. “That’s a great question…” 

Then Alicent sank into her seat and let her head rest against the back of the armchair. 

“I’m actually having trouble figuring out what to do now that I’m a widow. It feels like my whole life I’ve lived for what others wanted of me. First, what my father wanted. Then what Viserys and the children needed from me,” Alicent mused. “I have no idea what I actually want..”

You stared at Alicent. 

She looks so lonely, you thought. Does she open up like this to everyone, you wondered. Or is she like this only with me?

“Do you want to start a new career? Or take up a new hobby? Maybe…get back out there and date,” you asked, paying great attention to how she would react to your last words.

Alicent sat up and let out a chuckle. “God no, I mean….” 

Then she looked down at her empty glass. “I wouldn’t know what to say or do,” Alicent tucked a stray lock behind her ear, “I doubt I’d have suitors clamoring for me at my age.”

You frowned. “You can’t possibly think that.”

Alicent shrugged. “I’m not much to look at I’m afraid.”

She’s not serious, you thought, how could someone so beautiful not know they’re a gift to us all?

“Alicent you are without a doubt the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” you blurted out.

Your stomach dropped. Had you really said that? Out loud?

Alicent’s gaze shot up to meet yours. Blush once again tinted her cheeks pink. “You’re very kind (y/n),” Alicent replied.

“It’s not kindness Alicent, it’s the truth,” you replied. 

Before she could respond with something tragically self deprecating again you continued on.

“I know for a fact you would have hordes of men knocking down your door just for the chance to take you out to dinner,” you rambled as you fingered the rim of your glass anxiously.

You felt emboldened by her gracious acceptance of your flattery but you weren’t sure how far she’d like you take it…if she wanted you to take it beyond flattery.

Alicent laughed softly. “I don’t know about that.”

Your eyes flitted to her lips. You swallowed hard.

You wanted to know…you needed to know.

“I’d be at your door,” you professed and looked up to meet her gaze.

Alicent’s gaze felt hot. “Really?” She asked.

“In a heartbeat,” you replied, the thrumming of your own heart pulsed in your ears. 

 Alicent bit the inside of her cheek as her eyes raked over you. “Are you seeing anyone (y/n)?”

You shook your head softly. “No.”

You didn’t trust yourself to say much more, afraid your voice would crack under the nerves that ate away at your insides.

“I wouldn’t have guessed it, you’re such a charmer,” she said, with a playful smirk on her lips.

 The thrumming dropped from your heart to between your thighs.

Desire bloomed in the words left unsaid by Alicent’s darkened gaze.

You sat up in the armchair and cleared your throat, hoping to regain some semblance of control over yourself. “The girls at school aren’t really my type.”

Alicent nodded. “Right, you like older women.” She set her glass aside then leaned back in her seat. "So what age is just right for you then?” Alicent asked as she crossed her legs. 

Her nightgown rode up just past her knee, just enough to give you a glimpse at her thigh. 

You swallowed hard and looked away. "That uhm- it uh-," you stuttered, the sneak peak at Alicent's thigh lingered in your mind. 

Alicent sat forward and put her hands on her knee. "Would a woman like me be too old?" She held your gaze, and you noted that her irises had darkened much since dinner. 

"N-n-no," you blurted, your brain had short circuited from the drastic change in Alicent’s demeanor. 

Alicent smirked once more. “Am I making you nervous (y/n)?”

Your face felt feverish. You smiled sheepishly and ran your sweaty palms down your thighs. “Oh uhm I-,” you stuttered. 

Then you closed your eyes and took a deep breath.

When you opened them you realized Alicent was staring at you, smiling.

She was toying with you…Alicent was no longer just making conversation.

Two could play that game, you thought.

You swallowed hard and composed yourself. 

“You do make me nervous Alicent. You’re exactly my type, after all,” you replied earnestly.

You watched as Alicent’s brows raised then she blushed and looked down at her hands. 

"Oh, I-," she replied, her breath just above a whisper. 

You smiled triumphantly. You just had to keep telling yourself that Alicent was no different than the other women you had flirted with, and who had flirted with you, countless nights at the bars in town.

Alicent shifted in her seat, you noted the way she pressed her legs closer together and smoothed her nightgown down. 

She didn't meet your gaze again.

Your heart dropped. 

Had you read things all wrong? 

You panicked. 

“I’m such an idiot,” you said under your breath. 

Alicent furrowed her brows. “Did you say something?” 

You swallowed hard. “I’m sorry Alicent. I didn’t...I didn’t think that my words might be uncomfortable for you,” you rambled. “I’ll leave. I’m sorry,” you continued and stood from your chair. 

You turned towards the door and started to move but Alicent reached out and gripped your wrist. 

You turned back to meet her gaze. 

“Stay…for another drink, please,” she uttered. 

She let go of your wrist and you slowly sat back down. 

This time she did not ask you what you wanted to drink. Instead she busied herself with the drinks and liquors. She picked the shaker up and proceeded to mix the cocktail she had prepared. Then she poured it into a clean glass and handed it to you. 

Your fingers briefly grazed hers as the glass traded hands. 

It only served to flame the kindling desires inside you.

You took a sip of the drink. She had poured you something sweet, but it was still quite strong. 

“This is delicious,” you said, your eyes looking at her from above the rim of the glass. 

Alicent cleared her throat and turned to pour herself another drink. “How did things go with Helaena? I noticed the way she took to you after dinner.You said you talked but it looked like more than that.” 

You furrowed your brows as you took another sip. You needed liquid courage. 

“That? She was just being nice. She congratulated me for being brave and sharing my story at dinner,” you explained then took another drink of the cocktail Alicent had mixed for you. You continued. “I told Aemond and Aegon I don’t think Helaena is gay. She’s just a very nice girl,” you finished. 

Alicent turned to you with a new drink in her hands. She took a sip before resting it on her thigh. “That she is...it’s a shame though,” she stated. 

You tilted your head to the side, unable to read her. “A shame?” 

Alicent swirled her drink in her glass. “Mhm, I would’ve liked seeing you around more often if you had dated Helaena.” She took a long drink. 

You looked down into your own glass and smiled. The thrumming in your chest returned. “I’ll just have to find another reason to stop by and share your company then,” you declared then looked back up at her. 

Alicent held your gaze, her eyes curious and piercing. “You could be in any woman’s company, why bother with mine?” 

You set your glass on the small table to the left of your armchair. You thought about how to respond. 

She was your best friend's mother and you knew you couldn’t have her but…you wanted her nonetheless. 

So you returned your gaze to her and told her the truth. “Because yours is the company I desire.” 

Alicent did not look away and neither did you. 

The world seemed to come to a standstill. 

The way Alicent looked at you...if she was anyone else your lips would have been against hers in a matter of seconds.

But she wasn’t anyone else. 

She was your best friend’s mother. 

So you couldn’t assume. 

She had to initiate. She had to show you that she wanted this too.

Alicent’s gaze drifted down to your lips. 

She bit her lips as she stared and it almost sent you over the edge, the best friend code be damned. 

Then she heaved a large sigh and turned towards the bar cart. 

“Would you like another drink?”  Alicent fiddled with various bottles before she stood. “Oh god, I forgot the grenadine.” 

Then she walked to the full size bar at the far corner of the study. 

You turned in your seat and watched as her hands shook, picking the grenadine up from the rack of mixes. 

Had you misread things again? 

No, you were convinced something was there. There was a spark between the two of you. 

One you could not light and Alicent seemed hesitant to do so. 

So you stood and walked to her side. You stopped when you felt Alicent’s back against your chest. 

“I have another confession to make,” you whispered, just loud enough for her to hear. 

Your hands itched to reach out and touch her. 

Part of you knew you would have to make the first move. A woman like Alicent, with no experience with women, would not be the one to initiate.

 Alicent looked at you through the reflection in the mirror on the wall of the bar. 

She swallowed. “What is it?” 

You noted her voice was a little hoarse, dry and raw.

So you leaned closer to her and whispered in her ear.

“Something I’ve wanted to tell you since the moment I laid eyes on you...but if it would be unwelcome just say the word and I will go back to the guest room and we can pretend this conversation never happened.” 

Being so close to her you smelled her intoxicating scent of cinnamon and vanilla. You had no doubt it was from an expensive perfume. 

Alicent stared at you through the mirror, indecision and desire plain on her face. 

“Say it,” she finally whispered. 

“I want to kiss you. I want to kiss you and never stop. I want to kiss you until my lungs burn and my lips bruise,” you confessed, your voice thick with desire. 

Alicent gasped. 

She whipped around to face you.

Her chest pressed against yours. 

The heat of her breath warmed your chest. 

She looked between the two of you, at the lack of space.

Then she met your gaze. 

She nodded ever so slightly.

That was enough for you.

You leaned in slowly, giving her enough time to change her mind if she truly did not want to kiss you.

Her lips were full and ruby red. You wanted nothing more than to devour her then and there. 

Butterflies burst in your chest. 

She wasn’t just any woman. She was Alicent. 

And you did not want to break whatever spell the universe had cast. 

Alicent closed her eyes as her lips neared yours. 

You did the same when you felt the warmth of her breath on your lips.

Soft and yielding, were your first thoughts when your lips touched hers. 

She cupped your face and pulled you closer. 

You reached out and put your hands on her hips. 

The thumping of your heart rang in your ears.

Alicent parted her lips and you let out a low moan when your tongue met hers. 

No thought formed in your mind and all you could do was relish the feel of Alicent’s lips against your own. 

But soon your lungs ached for air and sweat beaded off your forehead. 

You did not want to part from her. You knew that if you did the spell would be broken. 

Even worse, you feared that Alicent would ask you to forget such a kiss even took place. 

So you continued to kiss her, your lungs be damned. You pulled her hips towards you and pressed them against your own. 

The fire in your lungs could only be matched by the throbbing between your thighs.

Then just like that, Alicent pulled away.

But her hands remained on your face. 

She ran her thumb across your cheek as her chest heaved. She smiled breathlessly. 

“That was…,” she said then trailed off. 

You nodded, also trying to catch your breath. “It was.”

Then she brought you in for another kiss. 

It was quicker, and not as deep.

But you were glad the spell was not yet broken. 

When she pulled away the second time you saw the hunger in her eyes once more. 

It reminded you of the painful throb between your legs. 

“Alicent,” you said as you tried to catch your breath.

Alicent stared at your lips. “Yes?”

“I want you…all of you,” you confessed. 

Alicent’s gaze shot up to meet your own. 

“What,” she gaped. 

You swallowed hard. 

Had you broken the spell?

“I want all of you,” you reiterated. 

Alicent shook her head. “We couldn’t (y/n)...kissing is one thing but-,” Alicent replied but you cut her off with another kiss. 

You needed to show her how much you wanted her. To let her realize how much she wanted you in return.

Alicent kissed you back without hesitation. 

Slowly, you guided her to the chaise nearby. 

When you felt the back of your knees hit the chaise you slowly lowered yourself and Alicent down onto it. 

Alicent pulled away as you settled on the chaise. 

She furrowed her brow. 

“(y/n)...,” Alicent began but stopped herself. 

She bit her lip as she watched your chest heave. 

You laid back on the chaise and stuck your hand out towards her. 

Alicent took it and straddled you. 

She crashed her lips onto yours and kissed you hungrily. 

Your hands fell to her hips once again. 

Alicent’s hips softly bucked against yours as she continued to kiss you. 

The throbbing between your thighs started to overwhelm you. You brought your hips up against Alicent’s. 

She moaned into your kiss. 

Your hands roamed her lower body as you both lost yourself in the kiss. 

Alicent pulled away from you and put a hand on your chest. 

“You must never tell Aemond,” she commanded. 

You nodded, not trusting your voice to speak.

Then Alicent got off of you and helped you stand. 

She led you to the elevator and pressed the button for the floor where her room was.

-

I will never tire of her kiss, you thought as Alicent pressed her lips to yours once more. 

She straddled you on her bed. 

It was plush with ample space. You figured it was probably worth more than your school’s tuition.

Alicent broke the kiss to unbutton your pajama top. 

When Alicent reached the second to last button she furiously pulled it apart and hungrily kissed your neck.

You threw your head back and bit your lip. 

It burned wherever her lips trailed along your neck and down your chest. You needed more.

Alicent pulled away and undid her silk robe.

You stood and pushed the pajama bottoms off your body. 

The second your pants hit the floor Alicent pushed you back onto the bed and straddled you. 

You smiled up at her. 

You would never have imagined her so dominant, but it fed the flames of your desire.

Alicent brought your lips to hers and placed her hands on the bed on either side of your head.

Your hands flew to her thighs. You pushed her silk nightgown up, and didn’t stop.

The nightgown was up to her hips. 

When you didn’t feel any lace underneath you pulled away from the kiss. 

“You’re not wearing anything underneath?” You asked, your voice filled with surprise.

Alicent looked down at you with a small smirk. “Maybe I wanted to save you a step,” she replied with a laugh.

You smiled back and leaned up to capture her lips in a kiss once more. 

 Not even a minute later you pulled away from Alicent again, this time to bring the nightgown up and over her head. 

Alicent grabbed the nightgown from you and tossed it aside. 

You stared up at her, now fully naked and bathed in moonlight from the skylight in the ceiling.

“You’re perfect,” you whispered. 

Alicent smiled at you. “Such a charmer,” she teased.

You wrapped your arms around her and flipped the both of you over in her bed. 

Alicent giggled as she landed on her back, a few of the feathers from the down pillows on the bed flew out and settled in Alicent’s hair. 

You raked your eyes over her body, committing every dip and curve to memory. 

“Are you going to keep staring or are you-,” she began but was once again cut off. She let out a small moan as your lips closed around her budded nipple. 

Her hands dug into your hair as you sucked on her.

Your hands did not idle as one held you upright and the other traveled down Alicent’s side.

The ghost of your fingertips left goosebumps in their wake on Alicent’s warm skin. 

Alicent bit down on her lip as your hand settled between her thighs.

Her wetness was splashed against her inner thighs. At the very touch of it you felt your own desire soak through your underwear.

Your mouth left her nipple and placed kisses along her collarbone. 

Alicent hummed in bliss.

Your fingers made their way to Alicent’s labia.

Her voice caught as the tips of your fingers touched her. 

You brought your gaze up to hers. 

“Last chance to turn back and pretend like nothing happened,” you joked.

Alicent huffed and brought your lips to hers. “Don’t you even think about it.”

You smiled into the kiss.

I wouldn’t dream of it, you thought to yourself, I’ve been good all year for this present.

Alicent moaned into your kiss when your fingers entered inside her.

Sounds of pleasure would escape Alicent all night as you devoted yourself to making the night never end so that you would never have to leave the warmth of her kiss.

-

After you both had been spent, Alicent placed a gentle kiss to your cheek and bid you goodnight.

“Dream of me,” you told her.

She smiled lazily as her eyes fluttered shut. “As if I could dream of anyone else after tonight.”

You smiled as you watched her drift off to sleep. 

Your own eyelids grew heavy, but you fought sleep for as long as you could. 

If you slept you would wake up and would have to have a conversation about what tonight would mean for you and Alicent (and Aemond), but if you remained awake you could bask in post coital bliss.

So you gazed at a sleeping Alicent, and gently raked your hands through her hair.

“Thank you,” you whispered to her.

-

Sleep came for you though you tried your hardest to fight it.

The next morning you woke up, briefly confused about the location you had awoken in then reassured as you looked over at Alicent still wrapped in your arms. 

It had not been a dream.

You placed a gentle kiss to the side of her head then slowly untangled yourself from her.

You dressed yourself and put on the now partially torn pajama top then headed out the door. 

-

Sounds of a whirring blender and workout music lead you to the kitchen. You knew Aemond loved to blast hip hop right before he weight trained first thing in the morning. It had been annoying at first but you’d grown used to it. 

You entered the kitchen.

Aemond smiled as you walked in. “Good morning (y/n).”

You grinned from ear to ear. “It is a blessed morning indeed.”

He immediately narrowed his eyes on you. “Why are you talking like that?”

Then his eyes flew down to the torn pajama top.

He set his green smoothie down on the counter, a severe look on his face. “Tell me you didn’t actually-”

You opened the fridge and retrieved a bottled mineral water. 

“Oh I very much did, and hope to do it again,” you replied with a satisfied smirk.

Aemond’s jaw dropped. “That’s my mother, you harlot! How? She’s totally- wait I don’t want to know how.”

You laughed and took a long drink of water. 

Aemond threw a piece of nearby celery at you. “You’re never coming home for the holidays ever again.”

You laughed as it landed on you. “I don’t think I’m ever leaving, son.”

Aemond laughed as you walked out of the kitchen.

As you walked back up to Alicent’s bedroom you realized that this had been the best Christmas you could’ve asked for. Fuck St. Barths.

[emepe]

— Pairing: Eren x Reader, friends to lovers

— General info: series, 18+, modern AU, serial killer AU, smut, fluff, angst, hurt/comfort

— Summary: Fate is a tricky thing. Certain situations can’t be avoided as much as certain people’s lives can’t be kept from intertwining. With a serial killer on the loose, and unexpected relationships blooming, how will the universe intervene?

— Chapter summary: Three moments when Eren Jaeger won you over without realizing.

— Content warnings: minor injury.

— Notes: Welcome back! This chapter is in my top five of the series. I seriously enjoy writing such simple and cute moments for characters <3 Happy reading!

Links: Read on AO3 | Chapter guide | Masterlist

slow and sweet

Fate is a tricky thing. 

Certain situations can’t be avoided as much as certain people’s lives can’t be kept from intertwining. People need people. People change people. 

A simple dinner party can lead to unexpected relations. Even if another simple mortal claims to call the shots, who’s to say it’s not the universe’s will behind it all?

Week One

It’s Saturday evening. The setting sun elongates your shadow cast on the pavement as you keep a steady pace toward the nearest bus stop. The canvas tote bag bears a considerable weight on your right shoulder, the contents bumping and pressing against your ribs with every other motion. 

There’s a block left to go before you arrive at the bus stop, made up by the local park. There are pathways loosely lined with trees. Scattered sounds of conversation and laughter fill the air, as well as the faint screech of a seesaw from the playground located at the center of it all. Your gaze is set forward, vision set on the bench you can spot across the street. However, a warm laugh pulls you from your goal. Your gaze darts around the area until you spot him.

At the center of the park, you recognize a figure from behind pushing a little girl on a swing. Before you can shake off your curiosity, your feet are already pulling you to him.

Eren flinches when he feels the tap on his shoulder, startling you in the process, as well. 

“God,” he huffs, then immediately recoils in embarrassment. He turns his head to the side to keep you from noticing the red tint on his cheeks.

“I didn’t know I was so scary,” you say, face neutral.

He quirks an eyebrow.

“Not scary, just wicked quiet. Remind me to get a bell for your neck.”

You hold a hand up in rejection.

“I’ve got one at home.”

He laughs. Your eyes shimmer in amusement. 

He’s wearing a black t-shirt and light-wash jeans. A small plastic bucket with toys in different colors and shapes hangs from his wrist.

You lean sideways to sneak a peek at the little girl who’s also curiously trying to get a look at you, but Eren’s so tall and broad she can’t manage to look around him before he steps aside. She can’t be older than three. Her blonde hair is put up into two pigtails, held by big pink hair bobbles, and her large brown eyes stare at you in wonder. 

“Hi.” 

Eren watches you wave at the little girl and smile. He can’t help but notice your voice is even softer when speaking to her. The flutter in his heart is evident, but he vowed earlier this week he would do his best to ignore this type of stuff when it happened.

“Josie, say hi.”

The little girl, Josie, offers you a small ‘hi’ in return before tugging on Eren’s jeans, signaling that she wants to be let down from the swing and go to the sandbox. He crouches down to her level.

“You want to play in the sandbox? Okay, little lady, let’s go.”

He looks up at you.

“You should stand back for this.”

Confused, though greatly entertained by the sight of Eren playing with a child, you follow his order.

He makes a loud swoosh sound, making a whole show of lifting Josie from the swing and spinning her around a couple of times, before zooming her to the sandbox a few steps away and setting her down on her feet while she strikes a landing pose. Josie happily giggles as she comfortably settles into the sand and Eren hands her the red plastic bucket of toys.

When he notices you’re staring at him, he nervously runs a hand through his hair.

“What?”

A light shake of your head is all you respond with, but he picks up on the way you’re holding back a smile. The two of you stand next to the sandbox, keeping a close eye on Josie.

“So you have a kid I didn’t know about?” you tease in your usual nonchalant manner.

“No!” he half-yells in a panic. 

Red swirls his cheeks as he holds his hands up in defense. He clears his throat, embarrassed by his own reflexes, and stuffs his hands in his pockets.

“Are you sure? Because she looks an awful lot like you and you’re being very suspicious.”

The mortification on his face almost gets you to crack. Your eyes narrow in feigned suspicion.

He finally catches on and laughs.

“She’s my neighbor’s daughter,” he explains. “She's at work so I’m babysitting.”

You nod, your mouth taking on an ‘ah’ shape. 

“We’re just friends,” he adds, eyeing you furtively.

You hum in response.

“Congratulations.”

The heat blanketing Eren’s face is overwhelming.

It’s barely been a week since you turned him down. Of course, there’s no reason for you to be concerned about his relationship with other women. He didn’t plan on avoiding you — far from it — but there hasn’t been enough time for him to find a balance that allows him to get closer to you without breaking your boundaries and stirring his feelings.

Idiot, he thinks to himself.

“I should get going,” you say after a moment of silence, readjusting the straps on your shoulder.

Eren straightens his back, ready to offer to walk you to the stop to stretch out this chance encounter. 

Josie stands and toddles in your direction, her hand holding out a purple plastic mold. 

“Play,” she demands before going back to her bucket to retrieve a second mold for Eren.

“Oh,” you murmur, hesitating as you steal a glance at your watch. 

Eren holds his breath, not wanting to see you go so soon. He watches you quizzically stare down at the toy in your hands before crouching down to assist in Josie’s castle construction. 

Nice one, Josie, Eren thinks. He shoots an approving grin to his unknowing accomplice.

He crouches down next to you, stacking sand into his blue mold.

“So, what brings you around my side of town?” he asks as he packs sand into his tower-shaped mold.

“Oh, you know, I love a good playdate.” 

You shrug. He laughs through his nose. Your lips curve upwards at the sound. 

“The grocery store near my house is closed for renovations so I took the bus here,” you explain. “It’s not far, I’m in the next town over.”

He nods.

Lucky, he thinks, smiling to himself. 

Eren Jaeger is a bit of a romantic. Coincidences like this one have the power to feed any delusions further. He can’t help but see signs in mundane situations, and luck is clearly biased toward him if it’s placing you in his path. Even if you’re meant to be just friends, he’s grateful for the opportunity to be with you in an unexpected setting.

“You get to watch Josie a lot?” you ask, barely peeling your focus from slowly revealing the small castle from under your assigned mold. Your brows are furrowed in concentration.

Eren’s face lights up in amusement at your seriousness over the task. 

“Sometimes.” He shrugs. “Her usual babysitter cancels every now and then. I’m at home a lot, so it works out.”

You smile at him. His face warms, but he reciprocates.

“Plus, Josie and I are best buds. Right, Josie?” 

He shoots her an enthusiastic grin, one that she does not return. 

Josie quietly side-eyes him before returning to her more interesting task of decorating every little sand construction with a few stray leaves. 

You stifle a laugh. 

“She's just shy,” he explains.

“Of course.”

The three of you continue working in comfortable silence. 

By the time the orange hues of the sky start to make way for the cool blues of night, Eren is helping Josie place a final decorative leaf as a flag on one of the towers.

“What do you think, Josie?” you ask, tilting your head and smiling warmly at the little girl.

Josie beams up at you, her eyes twinkling with delight.

“Pretty!”

Your smile grows and you offer her a high-five for a job well done.

“I think so, too.” You turn to Eren. “What do you think, Eren?”

He hesitates, his eyes wandering the details of your face. He's found you attractive from the start. But now, your eyes sparkle with glee. Your smile is brighter and overall, there's a lightness surrounding you that he hadn't seen until now. It's different from the night at Armin's after a few drinks. It's different from when you smile after teasing him. You look carefree and young. You're practically glowing.

“The prettiest.” 

If you notice the blush on his cheeks, you don't say anything. But he doubts you did since all you do is offer him the same high-five you did to Josie before standing and brushing your knees off.

Just as you're about to bid goodbye, a voice cuts you off from a few feet away.

“Eren!” 

You look around him to find a petite blonde in scrubs making her way to where you both stand.

“Mama!” Josie squeals and meets her halfway, grabbing onto her mother's leg when she does.

“I got your text earlier. I didn't think you'd still be here,” Josie’s mom says once she's close enough.

“Yeah, we kind of lost track of time,” Eren sheepishly explains.

Her gaze wanders over to you, causing Eren to step back and allow you a better view. She's got the same blonde hair and round eyes as Josie, except hers are blue. She seems younger, though you figure that's due to her small figure.

Eren introduces you.

“She's my friend,” he adds softly.

“Hi,” she merrily greets you, offering her hand to shake. “I'm Christa. I'm Eren's neighbor.” 

You politely nod and respond with a low ‘nice to meet you’.

Eren watches you closely. The glow you previously radiated has vanished. You've stepped back into your quiet self — the way you were when he bumped into you at Kuchel that very first day. 

Before he can say anything, Christa's voice breaks through his thoughts.

“Thanks for looking after Josie again. I hope she didn't give you much trouble.”

Eren waves her off. 

“Not at all. We're best buds, aren't we?” He looks down at Josie expectantly, holding up his right hand.

“Yeah!” The little girl cheers and stretches on her toes to meet his high-five. 

While Christa looks down affectionately at her daughter, Eren tosses you a playfully arrogant look.

“Told ya.”

The corners of your lips tug into a smile.

“We should get going, I gotta give this one a good bath,” Christa says, squeezing her daughter's hand.

Eren scrambles to collect Josie’s toys into the red plastic bucket and hands them to her.

“Thanks again, Eren. You're always saving me. I'll make you dinner sometime, promise,” she says.

Eren dismisses her with a wave of his hand.

“Nah. I'm happy to do it.”

Christa and Josie bid their goodbyes and walk away, leaving you and Eren alone.

Before you can tell him to head home with them — that you're leaving, too — he smiles at you.

“I'll walk you to the stop,” he offers, pointing a finger in its direction.

“You don't have to.”

He shakes his head.

“I want to. Besides, it's getting dark.” 

He kills your chance to protest by smoothly taking the bag from your shoulder and walking ahead, leaving you no choice but to follow.

“You could at least let me carry my own bag,” you mutter beside him, yet make no move to take it back.

“It's fine,” he assures you.

It's a short walk to the bus stop. You're surprised when he doesn't leave after reaching the bench and instead plops down to wait with you. It's like he can't bear to leave you alone and you can't help but feel a bit guilty that you're troubling him. The weather is getting cooler by the day and he's not even wearing a jacket. 

“You can head home, it's getting cold. I can wait alone.” 

He shakes his head again.

“What kind of friend would I be if I didn't see you off? I'm fine, really.”

You stare at him quizzically but say nothing.

The minutes tick away to the beat of passing cars and snippets of strangers’ conversations as they walk by.

“What's your favorite season?” Eren asks. 

You look up at Eren, confused.

“Huh?” 

“I like fall because of all the colors. And it's really cozy, you know? But I hate the weather getting cold. So summer is better, in that sense.”

You nod along and hum in thought. 

“I like summer, too.”

“Yeah?” he smiles at you.

“I don't do well with cold weather, either,” you admit. “I hate it.”

“Hm. Interesting, very interesting.” He rubs at his chin, brow furrowed, and head tilted in thought. “What about cold things? Ice cream, shaved ice, iced coffee, beer?”

You perk up in amusement. Your legs swing back and forth as you contemplate his question. He watches you with a smile.

“Yes, to the ice cream and shaved ice. No, to the iced coffee and beer.”

“So no cracking a cold one if it's a billion degrees outside?” 

You shrug.

“I don't like bitter things.”

Eren's heart skips a beat. 

“What about you?” 

“Same answer.” 

You nod, oblivious to the effect this small similarity bears on the man beside you.

A bus approaches, the orange lights from the LED screen marking the route for your way home.

“That's me,” you say, standing. 

Eren mirrors your actions and hands you your bag. Your fingers brush together in the process, causing his cheeks to warm. 

“Thanks for keeping me company.” 

You smile at him. 

Eren nods, his lips curling inwards as he rocks his weight on his feet.

“See you around.”

“Bye, Eren.”

Week 3

The contents of your trusty tote jostle around as you lightly jog up the steps of the familiar apartment building.

You're buzzed in within seconds without any need to announce your arrival through the intercom. 

Armin has called in sick two days in a row. The cooling temperatures caught up to him through a cold. Although his text read it wasn't anything serious, you worried he'd feel a bit lonely and offered to bring some medicine as an excuse. You're mildly afraid of intruding, but he's your closest friend and you can't help but be overruled by your worry.

The door to Armin's apartment is cracked open from what you can see as you round the corner. What you don't expect is the person leaning against the wall waiting for you not to be Armin himself.

He looks up from his phone when he hears your steps coming closer. 

“Hey.” A boyish smile takes over his lips, green eyes lighting up at the sight of you.

“Eren.”

He takes the bag from your shoulder and steps aside so you can walk in. You shrug your coat off, hanging it on the rack by the door. 

“What are you doing here?” 

He shrugs.

“Same as you.”

It's only now that you spare a moment to take in his appearance. 

“Nice apron,” you point out.

He blushes, crossing his arms to cover the ‘This guy rubs his own meat’ plastered in big bold letters across the chest.

“It's Armin’s,” he groans.

An airy laugh pushes past your lips. Your hand comes up to cover your mouth. It only makes Eren blush harder.

“Come on, he’s in the kitchen.”

The deeper you walk into the apartment, the stronger the smell of a hearty soup permeates the air. 

As you step into the kitchen, you find Armin sitting at the bar with a blanket draped over his head and cascading down his back like a cape. When he turns to look at you, you register his glassy eyes and the reddened tip of his nose. He sniffles but smiles.

“Oh, Armin.” You walk up to him and pat his back. “How are you feeling?”

“Super great, I feel like I'm dying.” 

Your lips curve in amusement.

“Don't worry, buddy. You always pull through.” Eren shoots him a sympathetic smile as he pulls out a cutting board and knife to dice some carrots. 

“I brought you some medicine…” you say as you travel over to where Eren placed your bag on the counter. “A sports drink, a box of tissues, and some oranges.” You list everything off as you take every item from your bag and place it on the counter.

Eren puts his carrots on hold to grab the bag of oranges to wash. 

Armin smiles at you gratefully. 

“Thank you. I really appreciate all this.”

Eren clears his throat loudly, handing him a freshly washed orange before placing the rest into a bowl.

“Thank you, too, Eren.” Armin accepts the orange, digging a nail in to start peeling it. “You guys are so nice, I'm lucky to ha–” 

His statement is cut short by a shiver-inducing sneeze. 

Eren watches him with his eyebrows upturned in concern.

“Go lie down, buddy. I'll bring you your soup when it's ready.” 

“I'm fine,” Armin sniffles, reaching for the box of tissues you brought him.

“No offense, but I can't cook if you're gonna be sneezing all over the place.” Eren flails his hand around. “Go. Now.” 

Begrudgingly, Armin trudges to his room, taking the box of tissues and his half-peeled orange with him.

Eren goes back to his carrots as soon as he hears Armin's bedroom door close.

“Can I help you with anything?” you ask, watching his agile hands steadily cut the last of the carrots and sliding them off the board and into the boiling pot.

A shrill whistle pierces through the room. Eren turns off one of the burners warming a tea kettle.

“Yeah, actually, can you get a mug for me? They're over there.” He points to one of the cupboards before turning back to grab a box of tea bags from a different one.

You retrieve a mug and help him pour the hot water into it, watching as a light brown color swirls from the tea bag and a chamomile scent infiltrates your nostrils.

“Honey,” you murmur watching Eren carefully transport a spoonful of it from the jar to the mug.

“Yeah,” he murmurs back, smiling. 

His gaze flits to your face, watching you observe his hands stir the spoon inside the mug. There's a hint of fascination in your eyes as you watch the golden puddle from the spoon dissolve.

“I'm gonna take this to his room.” 

You watch him leave.

When he gets back just seconds later, you're next to the stove, stirring the wooden spoon around the soup pot. 

“It'll still be a few minutes,” he says. “Sit down.”

He gestures to one of the chairs at the bar. You sit.

“Want an orange?” He nods toward the bowl holding the oranges you brought.

You hesitate. He smiles.

“Armin won't mind.”

You take one. So does he. 

“How've you been?” he asks, swiftly peeling half of his orange in one go.

“I've been okay. Lunch is a bit boring without Armin, though.” You struggle to find a good spot to start peeling your orange. You dig your nail in and start to pull, only for the peel to thin out and cut off unsatisfactorily. 

He hums in thought as he chews on the first piece of his orange.

“Have you been going to the coffee shop?”

You nod and try at your peel again. The same result.

“It's not the same. I'm kind of used to having company now.”

Eren’s fingers brush over your own as he takes the orange from your hands and peels it in smooth motions. He places the peeled orange back in your hands and continues eating his without missing a beat.

“You should call me next time. I'll keep you company.”

There's a strange flutter in your stomach as your gaze shifts from the peeled orange to the man in front of you, who keeps his gaze low as he finishes his snack.

“I thought you were like a kid, but you're really dependable,” you murmur.

He scrunches his eyebrows together, not fully understanding what you mean.

“Like a kid?” He smirks.

You shake your head, feeling silly all of a sudden. 

“Armin asked me what I thought about you. I told him you were like a kid. But you're very different now.” You speak cautiously, afraid you might say the wrong thing without meaning to. 

His eyes wander over the countertop as he mulls over your words.

“Is it the good kind?”

Your bottom lip is caught snugly between your teeth. Warmth pools in your stomach when you catch his fleeting attention to the movement. 

“I think so.” Your voice barely wraps around the words. 

A pink tint spreads across Eren's cheeks. He looks away, overcome by shyness. 

“The soup's probably ready.” He stands, trying his best to hide his face from your view. 

You're too preoccupied with the flutter in your stomach. With the uneaten orange in your hands, you abruptly stand. The chair scrapes against the floor, grabbing Eren’s attention.

“I should go. I have a ton of stuff to do at home.”

He sets down the bowl of soup in his hands.

“Are you sure? You should eat before you go. I can make us something else, just give me a minute.” 

He starts looking around the kitchen for ingredients. You stop him.

“It's fine, really.” 

Embarrassment aside, Eren isn't ready to see you go — not that he ever is. His gaze travels from your face, down to your hands. 

“You haven't eaten your orange,” he notes.

You look down to where he’s focusing and your eyebrows rise in surprise, like you hadn't noticed. 

“I'll just eat this on my way home. Tell Armin bye for me.”

Eren can barely hide his disappointment. 

“I'll see you around, then. Be careful.”

“Bye, Eren.”

On the way home, your mind is littered with flashes of Eren's hands peeling your orange. 

It's strange the things that can change the light one views other people in. True to your word, Eren is a clumsy kid trapped in an adult body. But today was different. He was strong and capable, which definitely triggered something inside of you.

Week 5

“Is there a limit to how much we can take home?” Connie asks.

Jean stares him down with a hand on his hip.

He's gone all out for the trip. He's decked out in denim jeans and a jacket, a plaid flannel shirt, and a wide-brim straw hat to top it all off.

“Just how many apples are you planning to bring home to ask that?”

It's the first time you're getting together with everyone since the night you met at Armin's apartment.

If one were to scroll through the messages exchanged in the group chat, they'd find several discarded plans — sometimes someone didn't have time to meet, the weather was wrong, or the mood wasn't right — that ultimately ended in Armin's suggestion to go apple-picking together. 

The stars aligned in everyone's favor. It's the perfect weekend, the perfect weather, and everyone is up for it. 

You're all gathered in the parking lot of Armin's apartment complex, helping him carry some basic supplies for the road to Jean's and Eren's cars — water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and other miscellaneous things. All seven of you could fit perfectly in Jean's SUV, but you figured it best to split into two groups considering you'll be coming back with a hefty supply of apples.

“You pay for a bag and you take home whatever fits,” Eren explains as he sets a pack of bottled water into the trunk of his car. 

“Take off that stupid hat, Jean.”

Eren proceeds to smack Jean on the back of his head, flinging his hat away in the process.

“Hey, mock me all you want but this is fashion.” Jean dusts off his hat and fixes it on his head again, pulling at the drawstring to keep it more secure this time. “You just don't get it.”

“It's stupid,” Eren reiterates. 

You place a neatly folded picnic blanket on top of the pack of water. You can hear both men get into a tussle behind you as you shut the trunk door.

“I think you look nice, Jean.” 

Your words put a halt to their roughhousing.

Jean shoots Eren a cocky look, to which he just rolls his eyes. 

“You’re not serious,” Eren huffs. 

“I am.” You turn to Jean. “You look very spiffy.”

A secretive spark lights up your eyes when you look back at Eren as Jean proudly looks down at his outfit. 

Eren’s lips curl inwards as he suppresses a grin and nods in understanding.

“I apologize, Jean. You've got a good look going here.” He pats him roughly on the back before rounding the car to settle in the driver's seat. 

Armin claps his hands to get everyone's attention. 

“Alright everybody, let's go!”

Everyone starts climbing into separate cars. Jean, Connie, and Sasha in one; the rest in the other. 

“You should ride in the front with Eren.” Armin comes up behind you and gestures toward the copilot door.

You nod and climb in.

The ride is peaceful. The fresh air combs through your hair as the music flows in and out, keeping any silence at bay. 

Armin excitedly talks about how perfect the time is to go apple-picking and that he's been looking forward to it for the past week. 

“It's been years. Last time we went apple-picking we were like, what, eight? We had to pick from dwarf trees.”

Mikasa hums in confirmation. 

“Have you ever been apple-picking before?” she asks you in between popping chips into her mouth.

“Never,” you tell her. “I've always wanted to go, though. It looks fun.”

You nurse the tin of salted peanuts in your hands. You've been looking forward to this small trip since Armin suggested it. In your life, there haven't been many chances to do fun things like this. Money was tight and, even if it wasn't, your family life didn't leave much room to ask for things that seemed like a waste of time.

You pop a cashew into your mouth and chew on it slowly as the car stops at a red light. There's a burning sensation on the left side of your face. When you look up, you're met with Eren's gaze. 

You okay? he mouths.

Nervously, you glance at the backseat. Armin and Mikasa are distracted by their own secret conversation.

Looking back at Eren, you nod. A warm glow blooms in your chest when his lips curve into a small smile. Before you can reciprocate, the moment is cut short by a green light. 

You're not sure when things came to be so comfortable around Eren. Minus the unexpected fluster you faced the day you went to visit Armin, things seem to flow easier now. It's nice, albeit that funny feeling inside you can't seem to dissipate.

Eating peanuts keeps you distracted. It's only when you're halfway through the small tin, you realize Eren is the only one who hasn't been snacking during the drive. As copilot, you should have been sooner aware of your responsibility to keep him fed as his hands were on the wheel. 

Dubiously, you look down at the remaining peanuts and pick one, glancing at Eren for an opening. He's laser-focused on the road, eyes darting briefly to either side when a lane switch is to be made, or to check his course on the map on his phone. His large hands are steady and swift on the wheel — he makes driving look so easy. 

“Eren,” you call him softly. 

It’s so low, it could've been easy to miss with the sound of the wind and the music combined. But his ears are finely tuned to pick out your voice, especially if it holds his name. 

“Hm?” His eyebrows rise in question as his gaze flashes once to your face, to the road, and once to the peanut in your hand. 

Realization blankets his face in rosy tones, and he leans over, peeling his eyes off the road for just a second long enough to accept your offering. His lips brush along the tips of your fingers, causing both of you to pull back. 

“Thanks,” he murmurs shyly.

You nod even though he can't see, though he catches a flicker of the movement from his peripheral vision.

Neither of you is aware of the elbow nudges exchanged in the back seat as two pairs of amused eyes take in the scene.

The rest of the drive goes by in silence. You offer to feed Eren some more but he meekly declines. 

Sunrise Orchards comes into view sooner than you expected. The grounds are enclosed by a tall ornate gate, the steel curving into the shapes of different fruits — apples included — leaves, and birds.

The car comes to a stop in an open spot of the dirt parking space. You all step out of the car and wait. Jean's car zooms into the next space seconds later, and you all head together to the entrance to purchase your bags. 

From where you stand, the path is lined with a few small buildings — a store, restrooms, sheds, and a cafeteria. Moving forward, rows of fruit trees stretch as far as the eye can see. Colorful ladders are scattered amongst the trees. Birds are chirping and there's a faint trace of laughter coming from somewhere you can't pinpoint. There's a bit of wind, but it's bearable. The sun peeks through the clouds every now and then to cast warmth on your skin. 

You adjust the cap on your head, pulling on the strap so it fits comfortably. Eren's wearing one, too — black, to match his t-shirt. It suits him.

After you each have your bag — Connie and Sasha each bought a bushel bag —, the apple-picking begins. Your group is guided to a section full of apple trees by a man well into his sixties. A few branches hang low due to the weight of the fruit. A couple have plopped down to the ground, bruised by the fall, but still good enough to grab if you're not picky.

The guide explains the best varieties this season. There's Cortland and Red, Gala and Granny Smith. He gives a brief demonstration on how to pick the apples without too much hassle — to lift and twist them instead of pulling them down. 

“Aside from color, you can tell an apple is ripe if it's firm to the touch. Feel free to use the ladders, and I'll leave some scissors and gloves here for ya if you don't want to get your hands too dirty.” The old man hands a box with supplies to Armin. 

“And make sure you get a slice of pie from the cafeteria before you head out. My wife makes it herself.” The old man beams before turning on his heel and leaving you to explore the area.

A collective “thank you” rises from the group and you begin to wander in different directions, looking to find the tree with the shiniest, most vibrant fruit. Mikasa and Jean debate on what apple is best for homemade cider. You wander away from the group, not paying much attention to what seems more appetizing or coming up with things to cook up later. Even just walking amongst the trees is time well spent. The sun sifts through the scarce bare spots among the branches. The sweetness in the air soothes you, enveloping you in pure bliss.

You pass a picket sign with directions written in different colors, pointing to the sections where every apple variety is found.

You don't notice Eren trailing behind you. Not on purpose, it just turned out this way. So when you feel a tap on your shoulder, you whirl around with wide eyes and a hand to your heart. 

“I didn't know I was so scary,” he teases.

You deadpan him, but your lips eventually succumb to a smile.

“Headed for the Cortland apples?” he asks, swinging his bag back and forth as you walk alongside each other.

You shrug. 

“I don't really know what to pick yet,” you admit. “I'm just looking around.” 

“Well, what's your favorite apple?” 

“I don't know. I haven't tried them all, so I can't say for sure.”

“Well, which one is your favorite now?” he insists.

A few seconds go by as you think it over.

“Pink lady.”

He smiles at you.

“Yeah? Why?”

“The name's fancy.” You shrug. He laughs. You join him. “And they're pretty.”

He hums in response, a satisfied smile still lingering on his face.

“We probably should've gone to an orchard with pink ladies, then.” 

You smile. 

“It's fine. This place is nice.”

You reach the Cortland section. When you look back, the rest of the group is still in view, but far enough for Sasha’s excited exclamations to sound like whispers. 

Eren fixes a ladder against a tree, shaking it a bit to test its sturdiness. You hurry over to hold the ladder in place. He smiles at you gratefully before climbing up a couple of steps to reach for the apples he eyed from below.

“Do you like cider?” he asks as he twists an apple off a branch. 

“Yeah, why?” You squint up at him, a sudden surge of sunlight coming in through the leaves and blanketing his features. 

He adds three more apples to his bag and climbs down.

“Just wondering,” he grins, eyes sparkling, though you think that might be an effect of the sunlight. You rub your eyes to clear your vision.

Your stroll continues. 

“What do you plan on making with your apples?” he asks, turning around so he's walking backward as he waits for your answer.

“You're gonna trip and fall,” you point out. 

“I'll just say you pushed me.” He shrugs.

Your eyes narrow. He laughs. 

You shake your head and turn your attention to the trees, searching for any good picks. After all, that's why you're here. 

“I don't know,” you murmur. “I might bake a pie… or eat them with caramel.”

You stop in front of a tree. It's a couple of feet taller than the rest, but the juicy reds stand out among the leaves. 

You look around in search of a ladder and spot one in the next tree over. Eren helps you adjust it against the trunk. 

“I might bake a cake,” you continue. “Or toss them in cream and walnuts.” Eren hums along, encouraging you to keep listing your options. Your face suddenly lights up. “Oh! I found a recipe the other day for apple cinnamon crepes.” 

He mirrors the grin on your face as he holds down the wooden ladder and you climb up. The steps feel like they bend under your weight. 

“Yeah, I definitely have to make those.” The excitement is evident in your voice. Confidence marks every twist and toss of the apples you pick, upon your newfound objective. 

“Hm… so you’re big on cooking?” Eren voices beneath you. He wants to make something of his apples, too, but he knows he'll end up having most of them as they are, whole or cut up in slices — just to mix things up.

You smile down at him.

“Yeah, I am.”

Eren recites your answers under his breath. The last apple lands in your bag and you finally start to make your way down. You climbed up a couple more steps in the process of your apple-picking, so you've got somewhat of a long way down to go.

“Be careful,” Eren says, to which you nod. “Here, give me your bag.” He holds out a hand once you're low enough, so you can focus on getting down safely. The straps slide along his arm, resting at last in the crook of his elbow as he attentively supervises your descent.

Every now and then, your depth perception fails you. It'll convince you you're about to miss a step on the stairs or make one up out of thin air. You'll be tricked into believing you're about to step on a flat surface instead of one that rises, and vice-versa. But you can't blame your depth perception for what happens, for it's the second to last step that snaps and causes you to lose balance, and stumble down, twisting your ankle in the process.

Eren’s arm wraps around your waist, but his reflexes aren't quick enough to save you from all harm. The sting around your ankle is there, along with a small trickle of blood, likely the work of the splintered step.

A painful whine escapes your lips as you curl into Eren’s chest.

“It's okay, I got you, it's okay,” Eren comforts you, pressing you further into his chest. He doesn't realize you're hurt until you step back with a wince and look down at your feet.

He's crouched on the ground, back to you, in a split second.

“Come on. Armin brought a first-aid kit, it's in the car.” 

You hesitate, not wanting to trouble him. But when you try to take another step to prove you can walk, the pain shoots up your leg once more. 

Eren’s arms wrap firmly around your legs, while yours cling tightly to his shoulders. 

“I'm okay,” you insist. “I don't think I broke anything, I just twisted it.”

When Eren doesn't reply immediately, a dreadful sense of guilt settles at the pit of your stomach. A good time has been ruined and it's all your fault.

Like always.

“Still,” Eren murmurs. “I'm worried. You scared me back there.” There's a trace of anxiety lingering in his voice from when he caught your fall.

The flutter in your stomach makes its reappearance. Your gaze meets with his side profile, at least the most you can see from your angle. His face is serious, brows pulled together in either worry or determination, you're not sure. 

“I can hop on one foot the rest of the way if I'm too heavy.” 

He laughs through his nose. The corners of your lips tug into a smile, cheeks warm, and eyes fixed on the shift in his features.

“I don't mind carrying you.”

The warmth from his skin trespasses every layer of clothing. The scent he emanates is a mix of vanilla and sweat from his physical efforts this morning — it's comforting.

As you near the group, you find yourself sinking into him, your head leaning into his shoulder, cheek pressed against his ear, and arms squeezing around him just a little tighter.

“What happened?”

Armin is the first to notice your return, and he rushes to your side to inspect for any other injuries.

“Eren pushed me,” you say in as serious a tone as you can muster, shaking your head in feigned disappointment. 

Gasps erupt from everyone, to which Eren immediately protests.

“Wha– I didn't push her!” His eyebrows upturn in hurt from everyone's sudden betrayal. “Do you really believe I would do that?”

Nonsensical mumbles arise, paired with shrugs and a single ‘she's pretty credible’. 

Eren rolls his eyes.

“We should get you to a doctor,” Armin states. Everyone starts gathering their things on the spot.

“No, no. I'm fine, really. I'm pretty sure I just twisted it.”

“We're going to the car. You guys stay here. We'll let you know if we need to leave.” Eren's voice is strong and commanding. It's different from his usual self. 

He carries you the rest of the way to the parking lot, a chorus of encouraging words fading behind you the further you get. You're stopped near the entrance by the old man who served as your guide earlier, and Eren calmly explains what happened. You apologize for the broken ladder, to which the old man apologizes in an even more profuse manner for being at fault for your injury.

When you finally make it to the car, Eren opens the trunk door and sets you down carefully, before rummaging for the first-aid kit. He pulls out a small bottle of alcohol and a cotton pad to clean the cut on your leg.

You hiss at the contact. 

“Sorry.” 

The crease in Eren's forehead deepens as he focuses on leaving your skin clean. In stark contrast to the stinging sensation produced by the alcohol, his touch is gentle. He eyes you every few seconds, making sure you're okay. 

The butterflies in his stomach stir wildly when your eyes happen to meet with his, but it’s been getting easier to ignore the effect you have on them than before. He’s proud to say he’s come a long way and can keep himself in check. That’s not to say you hold any less power than the day you met. 

“I’m gonna check your ankle, okay?” he warns calmly, only acting on his word once you nod in approval.

He rotates your foot carefully, gauging your reaction to the movement. 

With great care, he begins pressing the pads of his fingers into your ankle, massaging the area while looking for any signs of swelling or protuberances that shouldn’t be there.

“I feel bad,” you murmur.

“Does it hurt?” Eren pulls back his hand.

You shake your head.

“No. I mean, yes, a little. But I wasn’t talking about that.” You sigh. “I just feel bad for causing trouble.” 

Eren can feel his heart sinking when you look up at him with sadness clouding your gaze.

“I’m sorry,” you whisper. “We were having a nice time and I ruined it.”

It takes a second for him to recover. Now that it’s just the two of you, the disappointment you held back just moments ago in front of everyone else surfaces on your face. 

He clears his throat and continues massaging your ankle. 

“Nothing to be sorry about. It could’ve happened to anybody.”

You chew on your bottom lip. You’re sure it’s true, but it doesn’t ease the guilt that it had to happen to you.

“Jean is allergic to bees. He could’ve easily been stung by one and we’d have to go,” Eren laughs.

His attempt at comforting you fails. You nod out of courtesy, but keep your head low.

The two of you are quiet for a moment. Eren wants to make you feel better. On the way to Sunrise Orchards, you said you’ve never been apple-picking. That’s got to play a major part in your defeated demeanor.

“We can come back next year,” he suggests. “And there's a ton of other fun stuff we can do together. You can pick next time. What would you like?” 

He sits straighter when you start humming in thought.

“Hm… I don’t know. There’s a lot I want to do but it’s pretty basic stuff. It’s kind of embarrassing.”

“Tell me. What's something you've always wanted to do?”

A nervous shiver runs along your spine as you tightly clasp your hands together. Eren waits patiently, tilting his head and boyishly smiling at you as you build the courage to speak.

“I want to spend a day at the beach.”

“Beach day,” Eren echoes slowly. “You like to swim?”

You look away, embarrassed. 

“I don’t know how.”

“No worries, I can teach you.” His gaze travels to the sky, lips pressed tight as he comes up with what to ask you next. “What else? What’s your favorite thing to do in… the winter?”

You freeze. Images of your younger self locked out in the snow, crying, flash behind your eyes.

I’m sick of you here!  

“Um… I don’t really have anything in mind.”

“That’s okay,” he grins. “We can find something. Do you like hot chocolate?”

You nod.

“With peppermint or marshmallows?”

“Both.”

“Popcorn?”

You nod again.

“Movies?”

You nod a third time.

“Ugly sweaters? Tacky pajamas?”

“I don’t think so,” you laugh.

“Okay, okay,” he laughs, too. “Do you like fireworks?”

With narrowed eyes, you reply “Maybe”.

“I’ll take that as a yes. We’ll get together one night and wreak havoc.”

You giggle.

The two of you fall into a comfortable silence, the only sounds coming from far away on the other side of the steel gate. The pain in your ankle has long subsided, yet your leg remains resting on Eren’s lap, as his thumb gently brushes along your skin.

“Why do you ask me so many questions?” 

“What do you mean?” His face contorts in an attempt to look confused, but it’s clear he’s aware of his actions.

“I just feel like you’ve asked me a ton of questions today. The other night, too. It was a bit random.”

There’s a pause. The strokes on your ankle come to a stop as his hand simply rests there. You wait with bated breath and a thumping heart for him to respond.

“Because I want to know you.” 

It’s like you’ve been plagued with a serious case of butterflies. They can’t seem to stop stirring.

“I like hearing you talk, even if it's about random things. Don't get me wrong, I'm curious about the more serious stuff, too… if you ever want to talk to me.” 

Shame washes over you, leaving your head hung low so he can’t see the way your lips tremble at the thought of burdening him with said serious stuff. 

Eren’s all too worried about regaining control of his body temperature to notice. He slides his cap off and runs a shaky hand through his hair.

“I’m curious about everything.” His voice blooms warmth in your heart. “It's just… nice to learn about you.”

“Were you this nosy with all your other friends?” You’re trying to ease the situation, trying to poke fun in some way, but your voice comes out with cracks. 

He locks eyes with you.

“No.”

Eren is a nice guy — in the purest sense of the word. For someone so self-aware, it's only now that everything starts catching up to you. 

The warmth in your stomach, the ease of conversation laced with a sneaky hint of tension in more recent times, the admiration you feel when watching him behave so caring and dependable — it all washes over you like ice water, eliciting goosebumps on your skin and a shiver down your back.

It finally hits you.

“Oh,” you say.

“Yeah,” he whispers.

More silence paired with shy aversions of each other’s gaze. Then, Eren clears his throat and straightens his posture a little. 

“They're huge narcissists, so it doesn't take much to get them talking about themselves.” 

His eyes roll, and his nose scrunches in feigned disgust.

The tension fades as you lose yourself in laughter. His eyes crinkle, and his classic boyish grin stretches across his face as he watches your eyes light up. 

“Try to stand,” he says, setting your foot down from his lap and hoisting you up by the waist.

You try shifting your weight between your feet and moving your foot around to test for any lingering pain.

“Feel better?” 

You smile up at him.

“Yeah.”

“Sorry for worrying you guys.”

After going on a short test walk around the parking lot, you were interrupted by Mikasa coming over to check on you. Seeing you walk just fine, she ushered you and Eren back inside to have lunch with the rest of the group. You all shared a simple meal back at the spot where you lost your footing. The old man and his wife felt so bad that you got hurt that they gifted you a pie from their shop which, of course, you shared with everyone.

“Don’t even mention it. Thanks to you, we got free dessert.” Mikasa happily pats her stomach to show her appreciation.

The ride home feels much shorter than when you were first headed for the orchard. Upon Armin’s insistence, Eren drops him and Mikasa off first. As he put it, if one did the math, Eren could save some handsome road time by making you his last stop.

With each person that gets out of the car, the ride grows more and more silent. 

Eren knows he must focus on the road, but he can’t keep his mind from wandering. He gave himself away too soon by asking you out on your second time seeing each other — technically third — but he’s tried his best to keep it lowkey. You already know he likes you, and he knows you don’t see him that way, which is why he eased the tension with a joke back at the parking lot. He has to admit that talking to you has gotten easier, though. Instead of getting worked up over nothing and tripping over his words, he can ease up now. For a moment he hoped you were just a pretty face he needed to get used to, but no chance — you’re still as alluring as ever, and he’s still mesmerized just the same by every little thing you do, even more so. But he can’t hope you’ll feel the same way.

“Take the next right.”

Your voice has the power to anchor him at any given moment. 

You’ve changed, too, he’s noticed. You’re smiling more, laughing more. You’ve grown comfortable around him, too. Or perhaps he’s just gotten better at evoking those things from you. Whatever the case, it swells him with pride.

“Right there.”

You point to an apartment building at the center of the block. It’s a tall brick building with vines twisting and turning, wrapping around window sills and down the walls.

He parks the car right in front and gets down to help you gather your things from the trunk — your bag of apples and a piece of leftover pie. Your fingers brush over his as you take hold of your stuff, leaving a tingling sensation on his hands.

“I know you got hurt, but did you have a nice time?” he asks, shielding his hands from the cold by stuffing them in his pockets. 

You rock your weight on the balls of your feet, humming contemplatively. 

“I did,” you finally say. “Thanks for keeping me company.”

“Anytime,” he replies — and he means it. “I’ll see you around, yeah?”

Smiling, you nod.

“Bye, Eren.”

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[pixelblue2016]

[@themissingnumbers - blue (i did end up deciding to do it eheh. also do NOT feel the need to draw this i can't keep things short for the life of me)]

"... Hey."

He isn't sure how he got here. Not sure what he's trying to accomplish. Sure as anything, though- keeping his distance out of hesitation, uncertainty- there's another Blue. Taller. Older. Tired. He stares at the younger boy with an expression that almost seems... Sad.

"Uh... Gods, what do I..."

He rubs the back of his neck, searching for his words.

"I... Heard about you. About this. 'bout what happened. Guess it struck a chord. You're still... young, though- and you've got a good friend up there, it seems."

He glances up at Justine, waving through the screen, before turning his attention back to Pixel.

"I guess I just wanted to... meet ya, y'know? It's not every day you get to see somethin' like your younger- or, older for you- self."

Blue sighs heavily, his expression dropping.

"... I'm sorry about Revvy. I know how hard it is to lose someone you care about so much. For the world to turn against you cus of it. To want to change things so bad, but you're just... powerless. I- I'm glad you've got a real pal, though. I think that... that's somethin' that'll take you far."

Finally, he smiles at the younger boy, eyes lighting up a bit.

"Gods, that's heavy, huh? I guess all to say- I get it, I think. And I'm happy ya got someone there for you. How did you guys become friends? What's the rest of your life been like, uh... Living with her, I guess?"

Blue── Er, well, Pixel, turns around to the source of the voice. He seemed hesitant at first, shoulders rising up to his ears. He never expected another version of himself to visit him, let alone an adult one. He looked so. . . Odd. Pixel couldn't put his finger on it.

As soon as the other greeted Justine though, Pixel felt himself relax more. It seems like this was safe, seeing that the player gave a thumbs up back to Blue.

Pixel listens, thoughts running around, especially when Revvy was mentioned. It's painful to hear his name uttered from someone else, but he can manage it. It's rude to make faces at a guest, so Pixel bites his bottom lip to keep his expression neutral.

“So it's… it's you, right? The um,”

Pixel gestures over to Blue,

“It feels nice that I'm not the only one── I mean! Obviously it's, it's not great but, it's just nice that there's other people like me, I guess? Or are me? This is weird──Not that you're weird!”

He nervously chuckles, he can't help but smile. Taking a step or two closer, the child leans side to side, studying Blue. Super tall, lanky. Pixel wondered if this is what he could have looked like if he were to have grown up someday. Would he have hair like this? Clothes like that?

Would he still have his eye if he didn't…

Ah! A question was directed to him, and he was staring!

“Sorry!”

C'mon, Pix! Be polite! He mumbles, giving out some “um” and “uh” noises as he wiggles his hands,

“It's um, it's nice to see you, first of all sir── sir? I um, I dunno what you call you, sorry── but to answer your question,”

He glanced back at the player, who holds the 3DS patiently. Justine blinks and directs her attention to the bottom screen. Oh whoa, Pixel projected a little drawing down there!

“I wanted to delete my game, and Gramps wanted to also. We talked about it before I talked to Justine about it, but… she really didn't like that idea.

She convinced me that the game doesn't have to be played normally to… function? I think that's the word. But um, yeah. We pretty much talked for a while and it turned into a habit where she'd visit me everyday before she went to school.

She showed me some cool stuff from her world, like other games, some TV shows, and movies. I really um, I really like hanging out with her! She helps me sort out my thoughts about… about the stuff that happened in my game.”

Pixel smiles warmly as he explains. While talking, he lightly rocks on his heels,

“I really am lucky to have someone like her. It makes me sad that some other beings like me and you don't have that kind of a player out there.”

Pixel’s smile alters once he glanced back up to his older self. He gulps, a finger pointing up── no wait, that's rude too. He pulls it back,

“Please let me know if this is rude to ask but um…

Why are your hands . . . Blue?”